ANTIQUE — Eight barangays in the province of Antique received emergency response vehicles during a ceremonial turnover held on May 13, 2026, at EBJ Freedom Park, as part of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) initiatives.
The vehicles, funded under the 2024 Special Trust Fund (STF) with an estimated cost of about P1.1 million each, are intended to strengthen disaster preparedness and emergency response capacities in priority barangays identified as vulnerable to hazards and emergencies.
“These emergency response vehicles are investments in the safety and protection of our communities. Through this initiative, we are empowering our barangays to respond quickly and efficiently during disasters and emergencies, ensuring that help reaches our people when they need it most,” said Gov. Paolo Javier, PDRRMC chairperson.
Recipient barangays include Flores in Culasi; Maybato North in San Jose; Villahermosa in Sibalom; Centro Este in Libertad; Callan in Sebaste; San Roque in Anini-y; Poblacion in Barbaza; and Linaban in Hamtic. Two additional units were also allocated to the Office of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).
During the turnover ceremony, barangay officials signed acknowledgment receipts and received property transfer documents, deeds of donation, official receipts and certificates of registration (OR/CR), plate numbers, and Sangguniang Panlalawigan resolutions.
Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Broderick Train said the distribution was based on identified disaster risk priorities to ensure faster and more efficient emergency response during calamities and other incidents.
“These rescue vehicles must be properly cared for because they are essential during emergencies,” Train said.
Flores, Culasi Punong Barangay Felix Bernardo expressed gratitude for the assistance from the provincial government, noting its importance during medical and emergency situations, especially amid rising transport costs in remote areas.
Also present during the ceremony were Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) members Karmila Rose Dimamay and Vincent Piccio III, as well as Office of the Provincial General Services Officer (OPGSO) Nelyn Joy Pacure./PN
