By CESAR JOLITO III

The local government of Moises Padilla has moved to strengthen its disaster and water-supply response after opening competitive bidding for a P5.4-million stainless steel water tanker funded through its Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund.

According to the municipality’s Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), the procurement covers the supply and delivery of a 10,000-liter stainless steel water tanker with five compartments and individual anti-wave features — equipment seen as critical for emergency water distribution during droughts, fires and other calamities, as well as for routine water support to far-flung barangays.

The project carries an approved budget for the contract (ABC) of P5.4 million, with delivery required within 30 calendar days from the issuance of notice to proceed.

Bidding will follow competitive, non-discretionary “pass or fail” procedures under the government’s procurement law and its implementing rules.

Eligibility is open to Filipino individuals or firms with at least 60 percent Filipino ownership, while foreign bidders may join subject to legal and policy guidelines issued by the Government Procurement Policy Board.

To qualify, bidders must have completed within the last two years a single largest completed contract similar to the project, equivalent to at least 50 percent of the ABC.

BAC chair Reynaldo Horesue said the committee reserves the right to reject any or all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract in accordance with procurement rules.

Once acquired, the water tanker is expected to enhance Moises Padilla’s readiness for climate-related emergencies and improve access to safe water during critical situations, reinforcing the municipality’s broader disaster-risk reduction and public safety efforts./CJ, WDJ