Six barangays in Butuan City benefit from multipurpose vehicles granted through LGSF
By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Six barangays in Butuan City are set to strengthen their community services following the grant of brand-new multipurpose vehicles, each amounting to P1.5 million, financed by the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF). The beneficiaries include Barangays Golden Ribbon, Doongan, Diego Silang, Lumbocan, Kinamlutan, and Sumilihon.
The provision of these vehicles is part of the national government’s effort to enhance local service delivery and ensure that barangays are equipped with resources to respond to their constituents’ needs. With improved mobility, residents can now expect expanded assistance ranging from medical transport to emergency response and community support.
Barangay Golden Ribbon Captain Juby Ignacio F. Delgado expressed his gratitude to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for the allocation, underscoring the importance of mobility in barangay operations. “We are thankful to the DBM for allocating the budget for this vehicle to our barangay since mobility is really a necessity,” Delgado said.
Delgado explained that the vehicle will be used to transport residents requiring medical attention, especially those referred to hospitals outside the city. In selecting the specifications, his team ensured that the unit could accommodate a collapsible bed and an oxygen tank, making it suitable for patient transport. Beyond medical use, the vehicle will also be available for funeral services and designated as an additional rescue unit during emergencies. He further assured that Golden Ribbon will extend assistance to neighboring barangays whenever possible.
Barangay Lumbocan Captain Reinerio M. Salcedo echoed similar sentiments, noting that the grant addresses a long-standing challenge in their community. “We have already encountered several requests from our constituents asking for assistance in transporting their patients to hospitals in other cities such as Davao, due to a doctor’s referral. As much as we want to help, our resources are insufficient. Which is why, on behalf of the entire Barangay Lumbocan, we thank the national government for granting this vehicle to our community. Rest assured that we will use this to further improve our services,” Salcedo shared.
For Barangays Doongan, Diego Silang, Kinamlutan, and Sumilihon, the vehicles are expected to provide vital support for their daily operations. These units will not only provide transportation assistance but also augment disaster response capabilities, ensuring that barangays are better prepared to respond to emergencies and urgent community needs.
The multipurpose vehicles symbolize more than just logistical support—they represent the government’s commitment to empowering local communities. By equipping barangays with reliable transport, residents can now access faster medical aid, dignified funeral assistance, and timely rescue operations. The initiative also fosters inter-barangay cooperation, as vehicles may be mobilized to assist neighboring communities when needed.
Through the LGSF, the national government continues to invest in grassroots development, recognizing that strong barangays are the foundation of resilient cities. With these vehicles, Butuan’s barangays are expected to deliver more responsive, inclusive, and efficient services to their constituents. (NJGD, PIA Caraga with a report from Radyo Pilipinas Butuan/Photo courtesy of Barangay Doongan)