The City Government of San Fernando on Monday donated used rescue equipment amounting to more than P400,000 to the Philippine Air Force (PAF), 2nd Air Force Wing Reserve in Clark Air Base.
Mayor Edwin ‘EdSa’ Santiago led the formal turn-over of used equipment to B/Gen. Artemio Adasa, Jr., Wing Commander of 2nd Air Force Wing Reserve and Col. George Tagle, Commanding Officer of 2nd Air Reserve Center.
The donation includes four rubber boats, six trauma bags, triangular bandage, throw bag and a rescue static which were utilized by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office during their previous operations.
In his speech, the city mayor said the transfer of equipment aims to build strong partnerships to capable agencies in order to enhance disaster resilience within the community.
“The Philippine Air Force has been our active partner during rescue and relief operations. We hope to aid them in prolonging their commitment to render fast and safe response to their call of duty,” Santiago added.
CDRRM Officer Raymond Del Rosario, for his part, shared that PAF played a significant role during the onslaught of Habagat intensified by Typhoon Maring in 2012.
“They were among the first to respond and give assistance to Fernandinos who are then affected by the flood brought about by the heavy rains that even breached the tail dike in Brgy. San Pedro Cutud,” Del Rosario explained.
Meanwhile, PAF has given Certificates of Appreciation to Mayor EdSa, Vice-Mayor Jimmy Lazatin and City Administrator Engr. Fernando Limbitco who were also present during the ceremony.