17 new rescue boats augment Agusan Sur disaster response efforts
By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) — Seventeen rescue boats have been formally turned over by the provincial government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS) to 14 local government units (LGUs) in the province.
The remaining three units will be stationed at the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.
Each of the rescue boats is equipped with a 40-horsepower outboard motor engine and a boat trailer capable of carrying the vessel and accommodating around 20 individuals.
According to the PDRRMO, the rescue boats will be used for emergency and safety operations, particularly during floods and other natural calamities, to ensure faster and more coordinated disaster response across the province.
“During the 2023 flooding, more than fifty percent (50%) of our population was affected. It was during that time we realized the need for augmentation, as every LGU sought assistance due to the magnitude of the disaster,” said Armando Gomez, provincial disaster risk reduction and management officer of Agusan del Sur.
“With the governor’s approval, we provided these rescue boats to all municipalities, recognizing that flooding does not happen simultaneously across the province,” Gomez added.
He further said that the municipalities of Sta. Josefa, Veruela, Bunawan, Rosario, and Trento are usually the first to experience flooding, while the remaining nine municipalities will assist in disaster response and preventive evacuation efforts. Gomez also clarified that the newly acquired equipment will not only serve disaster operations but may also be utilized for tourism-related activities when not in use for emergencies.
The ceremonial turnover was attended by several local chief executives, who expressed their gratitude to the provincial government for providing critical rescue equipment that will strengthen local preparedness and resilience.
“Rest assured that I will instruct the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (MDRRMO) to use this equipment right away. As the rainy season approaches, our personnel must be familiar with the boats so they can operate them effectively—and not be the ones needing rescue,” said Prosperidad Mayor Frederick Mark P. Mellana.
“We will invest in and take good care of this equipment. Thank you for your support,” he added.
Meanwhile, Esperanza Mayor Deo Manpatilan, Jr. welcomed the assistance, describing it as both timely and essential.
“This is very timely, especially for our barangays frequently affected during the wet season. Thank you so much, PGAS,” he said.
All 17 rescue boats, valued at P14.9 million, were procured from the five percent Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF) of the provincial government.
Leading the turnover ceremony was Governor Santiago Cane Jr., alongside other provincial officials, who emphasized the importance of proper utilization and operator training.
“We look forward to seeing these water assets used responsibly and effectively in your respective LGUs. Once you bring them back to your municipalities and city, please conduct a dry run so your operators can fully familiarize themselves with the equipment,” Gov. Cane said.
The distribution of rescue boats is part of the provincial government’s continued commitment to enhancing disaster preparedness, response, and resilience in Agusan del Sur. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur, with a report from PTV Agusan del Sur)