The Davao Oriental provincial government has acquired new rescue vehicles to boost the disaster response of its 50 barangay disaster risk reduction and management committees (BDRRMCs) in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), an official said Tuesday.

In an interview, provincial information officer Karen Lou Deloso said 19 out of the 50 custom-built barangay rescue vehicles were delivered to the provincial capitol on Monday evening.

Deloso said the remaining 31 vehicles are set for delivery soon, adding the units are included in Governor Nelson Dayanghirang’s list of big-ticket projects.

“These vehicles are also part of the provincial government’s efforts under the Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) to ensure sustainability and presence of government services in the communities,” she said.

Each rescue vehicle is equipped with a 4×4 wheel drivetrain, mid-ship mounted searchlight, fire extinguisher, and medical supplies.

“The turn-over ceremony is slated in June before Governor Dayanghirang steps down as local chief executive of the province,” Deloso said.

The beneficiary barangays are those identified by the NTF-ELCAC, she added. (PNA)