THE Davao City Central 911 received two new vehicles that will be used to strengthen disaster and emergency response.
The two new light searching vehicles were formally presented during Monday's (September 9) flag-raising ceremony at the City Hall of Davao.
Central 911 head Emmanuel Jaldon said the procured vehicles are a "new generation type" that will be used for swift water rescue such as flooding, high and low angle rescues and road accident rescue, collapse structure and any multiple type of disaster.
Jaldon said the vehicles, worth almost P13 million, are the first response vehicles designed in the Philippines.
He said the 4x4 vehicle made by a British car company could carry a maximum of four persons with equipment and medical kits.
"It will be posted in Marilog station, and very soon in Marahan, in Panacan, and Cabantian for road accident," Jaldon told reporters, adding it will be paired with a regular ambulance.
He said the new vehicles will improve and enhance the city's capability in emergency response and service.
"Since it is sturdy equipment, we hope to have them long in service," Jaldon said.
The official said the vehicle would also help ease the emergency response in far-flung areas.
He said the Marahan station will open as soon as the ambulance will be purchased and deployed in the area.
Jaldon also said they have been requesting for additional rescue vehicles.
Meanwhile, he said Central 911 is still able to respond faster during emergencies despite the current heavy road congestions the city is currently facing. (Stacy Claire L. Price, UM Intern/With reports from Ralph Lawrence G. Llemit)