This photo shows the ceremonial turn over of the key for the firetrucks in Mandaluyong City. From left to right: CSupt. Nahum Tarroza, BFP Director for Plans and Development; CSupt. Roel Jeremy G. Diaz, BFP OIC/Deputy Chief for Administration; Mandaluyong City Mayor Menchie Abalos; FSupt. Albert D. De Baguio, Office of the City Fire Marshal, Mandaluyong City; Deputy Speaker & Mandaluyong City Congressman Neptali “Boyet” Gonzales; SSupt. Jerome T. Reano, Deputy Regional Director for Administration; and Supt. Andres C. Daus Jr., Deputy District of Fire Director. Photo from the Office of Rep. Gonzales
MANILA, Philippines — The City of Mandaluyong got firetrucks and ambulances to boost the local government’s disaster and COVID-19 response capabilities.
In a ceremony on Friday, Deputy Speaker and Mandaluyong Rep. Neptali Gonzales led the turnover rites for the two firetrucks to the city’s Bureau of Fire Protection, and five ambulances from the Department of Health (DOH) for several barangays.
This was in response to the recent fires and the uptick of COVID-19 cases in the city, due to the recent surge. According to the information from Gonzales’ office, the two fire trucks were fitted with a 54-meter aerial ladder fire trucks which is capable of reaching as high as the 18-story buildings.
“We are elated and thankful that, through our continuous efforts and lobbying in Congress, we are finally able to push for these firetrucks and ambulances which will play a crucial role in serving our constituents here in Mandaluyong during times of disasters and emergencies,” Gonzales said.
“We hope that through these firetrucks, we will be able to boost our firefighters’ capabilities against fire incidents especially for high-rise buildings in the city, as well as crowded areas where elevated firefighting mechanisms would have better reach,” he added.
Meanwhile, the five ambulances from the DOH were said to be worth P2.4 million each, and were handed to Barangay Addition Hills, Barangay Hulo, Barangay Vergara, Command and Control Center (C3), and the National Center for Mental Health.
These firetrucks were donated to the Mandaluyong City LGU by Deputy Speaker and Mandaluyong City Congressman Neptali “Boyet” Gonzales. Photo from Office of Rep. Gonzales
“The five initial ambulance units from DOH will also surely help our people and serve their health and emergency needs. These are testaments of our commitment to public service during these challenging times. Our people deserve no less,” he said.
Gonzales said that the emergency vehicles were procured through the combined lobbying of him and his wife, former Rep. Queenie Gonzales. Both of the firetrucks are said to have turbocharged six-cylinder engines that are fitted with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system.
In terms of emissions, both trucks are at least Euro IV compliant.
The ambulances meanwhile have the following equipment on board:
- ambulance, folding, and scoop stretcher
- automated external defibrillator (AED)
- nebulizer
- portable suction machine
- examining light
- aneroid sphygmomanometer stethoscopes (pedia and adult)
- non-contact thermometer
- blood-glucose meter
- manual resuscitators (adult, infant, pedia)
- oxygen cylinder with oxygen therapy set
- laryngoscope set
- immobilization device
- air purifier
- dashboard camera
- two cellular phones
Gonzales said that the vehicles would be key in responding to accidents, like the fire that affected a residential tower in the city last September 2021.
“These firetrucks and ambulances are essential in saving the lives of our constituents in times of distress and emergencies. Rest assured that we will continue to push for these relevant projects that would better serve our city, and would put to good use our taxpayers’ hard-earned money,” he said.
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