Barangay San Nicolas Proper gets P1 million for emergency vehicle

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management gave a nod to the request for financial assistance to Barangay San Nicolas Proper to purchase its own emergency response vehicle.

A copy of the letter obtained by The Freeman showed that DBM approved P1 million for such purpose and it shall be taken from the Local Government Support Fund-COVID-19 financial assistance to local government units as provided under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or the Republic Act No.11494.

The Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) and Notice of Cash Allocation have already been issued to the Bureau of Treasury last October 23 yet, but Barangay Captain Clifford Jude Niñal only got hold of the original letter last Friday.

Since it was Bonifacio Day yesterday, Niñal will have to follow up this with the Cebu City’s Treasurer’s Office today yet following the advice from DBM’s regional office.

Niñal said they do not have their own rescue vehicle from the city government under Mayor Edgardo Labella that made their COVID-19 efforts extra challenging and make do with the old vehicle that was donated to the barangay by former mayor Tomas Osmeña.

Niñal had also been using his own vehicle in rationing off water to the residents during the time when the barangay had problems with water supply during lockdowns.

Niñal thanked South District Representative Rodrigo “Bebot” Abellanosa for facilitating his request to the DBM.

Niñal and Abellanosa had also partnered for a free ride project to workers in the south following the lack of public transportation in the city.

The bus used for the free ride is personally owned by Niñal and is also available for free use for burial. — GMR (FREEMAN)