By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Bacolod City government yesterday turned over a truck and a backhoe to the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO).

CDRRMO cluster head, Executive Assistant Joemarie Vargas, said the backhoe with rock crusher cost P13 million, while the truck cost P5 million.

He said bidding for the equipment took place last year, but was delayed as the items had to be imported from Turkey.

The city official said the backhoe can be used for rescue operations during earthquakes, along with creating temporary drainage systems during floods.

The equipment will temporarily be used by the City Engineer’s Office for ongoing projects.

Vargas also added they are planning to purchase two more rapid response vehicles this year./DGB, WDJ