Thirty-five newly procured vehicles for Bacolod City’s barangays were formally inspected and blessed during a ceremony led by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)–Bacolod on Thursday, October 9.
The activity at SM City Bacolod coincided with the opening of a barangay exhibit, where all 61 barangays of Bacolod showcased their best practices and innovative programs on disaster preparedness and response, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office (BCCO) said.
The exhibit forms part of the celebration dubbed “Pabugal sa Barangay: Barangay Fiesta of Service and Excellence,” marking the 34th Local Government Code Month.
The event was organized by DILG–Bacolod in partnership with the City Government of Bacolod, Liga ng mga Barangay – Bacolod City Chapter, Office of the Lone District of Bacolod, Sangguniang Kabataan – Bacolod City Chapter, and other local stakeholders.
DILG–Bacolod Head Christian Nagaynay said the newly acquired vehicles that were funded through the Department of Budget and Management’s Local Government Support Fund (DBM–LGSF) are expected to strengthen the capacity of barangays in emergency and disaster response operations.
“These vehicles will enhance the barangays’ mobility and reliability in times of crisis. They represent our continuing effort to ensure that every community in Bacolod is disaster-ready,” Nagaynay said.
The 35 vehicles for 32 barangays in Bacolod were funded by the national government and were facilitated by the office of former Congressman and now City Mayor Greg Gasataya in 2023 and 2024.
“More units are coming and will be inspected later this year,” Nagaynay announced, expressing optimism that barangay-level services will further improve.
Nagaynay also reminded barangay officials to use the government vehicles responsibly, emphasizing that they must be utilized strictly for official and emergency-related purposes.*