The City Government of San Fernando purchased at least 50 new vehicles for its offices and attached agencies as it intensifies its responses on health and peace and order aspects, along with other priority programs.
During a ceremony held on February 22, 2021 at Heroes Hall grounds, Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago, Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin, and heads of offices graced the blessing of the vehicles, led by Rev. Fr. Homer Policarpio of the San Fernando archdiocese.
The vehicles include ambulances, buses, motorcycles, trucks, pickups, and vans.
Santiago said the vehicles will help the City achieve a more mobilized delivery of programs on health, peace and order, disaster risk reduction and management, and environment.
“Sa isang lokal na pamahalaan, napakahalaga po ng mobility. Napakahalaga na mabilis nating naidadala ang mga serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan. Ngayong may mga karagdagan tayong mga sasakyan, na bago pa, mas mapapabilis po natin ito,” he said.
Engr. Michael Quizon, Jr., City General Services Officer, explained that the vehicles were purchased using different fund sources of the City Government, through a process of procurement.
“Sa pagbili ng mga sasakyan na ito, gumamit tayo ng iba’t-ibang sources. Mayroon tayong ginamit sa general funds, peace and order funds, at calamity funds natin. Compliant din at sumusunod tayo sa batas kaya idinaan natin sa procurement process ang pagbili sa mga ito,” Quizon said.
As the Philippine National Police is one of the major recipients of this project, Police Colonel Thomas Ibay, Pampanga Police Provincial Office Director, said the vehicles will directly contribute to police response and visibility.
“Natutuwa tayo na naghandog ng mga bagong sasakyan ang [lokal na pamahalaan] sa CSF Police natin. Napakalaking tulong ng mga ito dahil magagamit natin ito sa police response at police visibility natin. Panawagan naman din natin sa mga kapulisan to practice yung pangangalaga sa mga equipment dahil makakatulong ito sa pag-enforce ng mga batas natin,” he said.
On the other hand, as the City continues to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, City Health Officer-in-Charge Dr. Carlos Mercado also expressed his delight for the new ambulances which will be used by the Health Emergency Management Staff (HEMS) and San Fernando Rescue Unit (SAFRU).
“Dalawang karagdagang ambulansya po yung ating natanggap ngayon at ang mga ito po ay malaking tulong sa ating COVID-19 response. Bilang mayroon po tayong sariling isolation facility, mas mapapadali po yung pag-transfer at pagbibigay serbisyo natin sa ating mga pasyente. Maliban po diyan, regular din ang operasyon ng ating HEMS at SAFRU na 24/7 na aktibo upang mag-responde,” he shared.
As part of government policy, all vehicles have undergone proper registration and insurance processes by the Land Transportation Office and Government Service Insurance System prior to the turnover to ensure the safety and protection of the units and the drivers, as well.
Also included in the roster of recipients among the offices and attached agencies were the City Public Order and Safety Coordinating Office, City Engineer’s Office, City General Services Office, and Bureau of Fire Protection.