Daraga Mayor Victor Perete on Wednesday thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for 54 rescue vehicles funded through the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), saying the assistance will strengthen emergency response in the municipality’s 54 barangays.

Perete said the vehicles will allow each barangay to have its own rescue unit, reducing the need for the municipal government’s rescue vehicle to travel to communities during emergencies.

“We are very grateful, especially to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. This is a big help because the LGU’s rescue vehicle will no longer have to travel to the barangays. They will have their own vehicle to use in rescuing our residents,” he said in a statement.

“All 54 barangays will have one,” he added, noting that distribution is expected to start on Sept. 4.

Initially, 26 units arrived on Sept. 1 as part of the 54 rescue vehicles allocated for the municipality.

For Kenny Pinto, Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth Council) chairperson of Barangay Matnog, the additional rescue vehicle will be particularly useful to communities near Mayon Volcano and those exposed to strong typhoons.

“As a resident living near Mayon and experiencing strong typhoons, I can say that this will help enable faster rescue of my fellow residents,” Pinto said.

He said the vehicle could also be used for emergencies requiring residents to be transported to hospitals, as well as in responding to accidents.

Pinto also urged local officials to ensure that the vehicles are properly maintained and provided with sufficient funds for fuel and repairs to keep them operational.

Meanwhile, another Matnog resident, Sheryn Miras, said having a rescue vehicle in the barangay would help residents during Mayon-related evacuations and other emergencies.

“It will help address the needs, especially in Barangay Matnog, which is near the foot of Mayon. When the volcano becomes active, residents need to evacuate. It will also help when someone needs assistance, such as in an accident,” Miras said. (PNA)