The provincial government of Dinagat Islands has bolstered its disaster preparedness with the turnover of a brand-new 6×6 emergency response vehicle worth PHP9.2 million to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRRMO) on Monday, officials announced Tuesday.

The purchase, funded by the provincial government, reflects its commitment to safeguarding communities against calamities.

In a text message to the Philippine News Agency, Governor Nilo Demerey Jr. said the procurement and turnover demonstrate the provincial government’s strong commitment to disaster readiness.

“This is part of our broader effort to strengthen the province’s local resilience and protect our communities during disasters and calamities,” Demerey said.

He noted that the vehicle will improve rapid response, speed up deployment, enhance mobility, and expand the province’s capacity to reach affected areas.

“We consider this a life-saving investment, not just an asset of the provincial government, particularly for our PDRRMO,” Demerey added.

On the same day, the World Food Program–Philippines boosted local resilience by donating emergency telecommunications equipment and Emergency Operations Center assets worth PHP808,630.45 to the local government of Tubajon.

The donation included one Starlink residential system with an unlimited roam subscription, three IT components (Ubiquiti Cloud Key, router/firewall, and access point), 10 Motorola handheld radios, one Motorola base radio, a hard case, a generator, a desktop computer, and a TCL flatscreen TV monitor.

The equipment is expected to strengthen coordination, communication, and rapid response during emergencies, ensuring frontline responders are better equipped to protect lives and property.

Demerey acknowledged the WFP’s support, saying the donated assets are vital in building a stronger safety net for Tubajon and nearby towns. (PNA)