• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Bacolod local government added seven new vehicles to its operational fleet Oct. 26, to boost disaster response, emergency water distribution, and environmental monitoring.
Mayor Greg Gasataya said the city already identified these operational vehicle requirements prior to the El Niño announcement, and noted that the vehicles will provide timely operational support for the city.
The newly-deployed vehicles for the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office include two water tankers and a high-capacity water filtration truck.
Gasataya said the tankers can hold between 4,000 to 10,000 gallons, and Bacolod can now run full-scale water rationing and purification operations independently, without relying on borrowed units.
The city also rolled out two electric vehicles (EVs) for the Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office, a compact electric manlift to navigate narrow interior streets for the City Engineer’s Office (CEO), and a service vehicle for the Public Employment Service Office.
Gasataya confirmed that bidding procedures are ongoing for additional vehicles, including five patient transport vehicles, five additional EVs for the CEO, and two for the City Planning. | TMD
