Equipping the provincial rescue team to make them capable and efficient in responding quickly during times of disasters, the provincial government handed over search and rescue equipment to the Special Rescue Forces of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), which serve as one of the front liners in times of disaster.

Provincial Administrator Ms. Maria Gracia Tiago, representing Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon, formally turned over the special equipment to the BFP in a simple turnover ceremony earlier today at the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO). Bureau of Fire Protection Provincial Fire Director CINSP Joycelyn Grant happily received the equipment.

Ms. Tiago said the turnover of these tools and equipment is part of the province’s efforts to achieve its preparedness goal by prepositioning them before any calamity strikes. “The important thing is that there is equipment available that we can readily use when the need arises,” she said.

She also expressed gratitude to the BFP for consistently being partners with the province in all of its development endeavors.

The P300 thousand worth of equipment includes one set of single kayak boat with paddles, one set of rescue rubber boat or river raft with paddles, 15 pieces of floating devices with tether lines,  12 pieces of tether lines with quick release straps, 20 pieces water rafting helmets, and three sets of throw bag.

In her message, CINSP Grant thanked the provincial government for providing the much-needed equipment meant to help save people’s lives. “This will certainly boost the capability of our men,” she said, adding that these are especially needed considering Davao Oriental is surrounded by bodies of water and frequently hit by torrential rains and flooding.

Also present during the turnover is PDRRMO Assistant Department Head Francis Jason Bendulo, representing PDRRMO Department Head Engr. Jesusa Timbang. PIO