Two brand new Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) 4×4 wheeled vehicles were recently formally turned over to the Malaybalay City Disaster Risk Reduction Office (CDRRMO) to equip responders with the enhanced capability and mobility during disaster and emergency rescue operations.

The two USAR vehicles, reportedly costing a combined Php 6 Million, are equipped with power tools needed for “extricating victims with trauma during incident operations and will be utilized for better response, providing the right tool for rescuers,” according to a news release by the Malaybalay City LGU.

A blessing ceremony for the two USAR vehicles was also conducted days after the turnover.

Lead rescue personnel, Kenneth Taylor, was quoted as saying that the 4×4 trucks are designed to be tough in dealing with the worst weather conditions and are structurally built based on our needs and specification. Taylor added that it has installed medical equipment, radio, siren, solar lights, fog lamps and tents. The vehicles are also GPS-guided.

During the blessing ceremony, Malaybalay Vice Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran said that the vehicles “are something the cityfolk can be proud of as peoples’ money is put into good use.”

Also in attendance were Executive Assistant V Roberto T. Flores, Executive Assistant IV Brian Nelson T. Flores and City Administrator Herculano S. Ronolo.

• Photos courtesy of Malaybalay City LGU

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