At least 95 village chiefs in Pampanga expressed their gratitude to the provincial government after Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda turned over to them their barangay service vehicles on Wednesday, September 14.
“Minsan lang kami magkaroon ng ganitong opportunity sa tulong nina Governor Delta at Vice Governor Nanay. Maraming governor na ang nagdaan, sila lang talaga yung nagbigay ng atensyon sa pangangailangan ng mga barangay,” said Solis Palo, the head of Barangay Sapang Uwak in Porac town.
Palo was among the many who personally thanked the governor after the ceremonial handover of vehicles’ keys at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center here.
Echoing the views of other leaders, Solis said the vehicles would greatly help in transporting upland villagers to the lowlands during emergency and other situations.
“Hindi na po kami mangangapa kung kanino kami lalapit. Ngayon po, may personal na kaming magagamit para ipanghatid sa mga kababayan nating kailangan dalhin sa ospital,” he said.
Other beneficiaries from the far-flung areas of Masantol also thanked the governor.
According to Edwin Viray of Barangay Sta Lucia Matua in Masantol town, the service would be used by his constituents for free whenever they want to visit or bring their relatives to hospitals due to illness.
“Malaki nga yung tulong na ibinibigay ni Governor Delta at ng ating Vice Governor Nanay Pineda para sa ating mga constituents na dinadala sa mga hospitals,” Viray said.
Barangays Sapang Uwak and Sta. Lucia are among the second batch of recipients of service vehicles. The governor earlier turned over 100 service vans. A total of 310 more vehicles are set to be given. The vice governor and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved the governor’s request to assist in the transportation needs in the barangays.
Governor Pineda reminded the village chiefs to take good care of the vehicles and do their mandates for the benefit of the Kapampangans.
“Sana po pangalagaan n’yo po itong mga service vehicles. Pakiusap po namin sa inyo ni Nanay na gawin n’yo po silang available 24/7 para sa mga pangangailangan ng mga Kapampangan. Hindi po ito para sa mga personal na lakad. Purely for public service,” he reminded the barangay captains.
Each service vehicle costs P1,229,800. To date, the Capitol has already distributed a total of 195 units and is set to turn over another 100 units of service vehicles before the year ends.
