In a significant boost to local disaster preparedness, the Provincial Government of North Cotabato has handed over a new fleet of emergency vehicles to its communities. Governor Emmylou "Lala" Taliño-Mendoza spearheaded the turnover of 100 rescue vehicles to selected barangays across eight municipalities and one city on Friday, November 28, 2025.
Serbisyong Totoo in Action: A P90 Million Investment
The distribution ceremony, held at the Provincial Capitol Grounds in Barangay Amas, Kidapawan City, marks the second batch of such aid under the province's Serbisyong Totoo (True Service) motto. Governor Taliño-Mendoza emphasized the critical role of these assets, noting that each unit is valued at close to P900,000, bringing the total investment for this batch to approximately P90 million.
"These vehicles are vital, especially since some of our beneficiary barangays are located in far-flung areas," the Governor stated. The first batch of 100 units was successfully distributed to other barangays and provincial offices just the previous October.
Enhancing Quick Response in Remote Areas
The newly designated Serbisyong Totoo Rescue Vehicles (STRVs) are set to dramatically improve emergency transportation and disaster response capabilities. The recipient areas include barangays in the municipalities of:
- Antipas
- Arakan
- Kabacan
- Banisilan
- M'lang
- President Roxas
- Tulunan
- and Kidapawan City
Governor Taliño-Mendoza explained that the vehicles will augment the provincial government's capacity to deliver quick response to various community needs, from medical emergencies to disaster-related evacuations.
A Call for Stewardship and Sustained Service
During the turnover, Governor Taliño-Mendoza made a heartfelt request to the barangay beneficiaries. She urged them to maintain the vehicles properly, highlighting their importance in public service. "Take good care of our equipment, take good care of these vehicles kay dako kaayo ning tabang sa atoang pagpanirbisyo (because these units are vital in our service)," she appealed.
This large-scale distribution underscores the provincial leadership's commitment to decentralizing resources and empowering local government units. By placing essential rescue assets directly in the barangays, North Cotabato aims to ensure faster and more reliable aid reaches its constituents, particularly in geographically isolated and disaster-prone communities.
