COTABATO CITY – Bangsamoro Region’s nine (9) District Engineering Offices (DEOs) received heavy equipment and vehicles worth of P576-million from the Ministry of Public Works (MPW).
The turnover ceremony, led by MPW Minister Archt. Eduard Guerra, took place on January 25,, at the MPW Area Equipment Services in Barangay Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte.
Fourteen (14) units of service vehicle (4X4 pick-up trucks), 17 dump trucks (4X4), two (2) sewage trucks, and one (1) unit of prime mover with low-bed trailer were turned-over to the DEOs.
Minister Guerra emphasized that the addition of heavy equipment and vehicles aim to expedite maintenance activities and enhance the implementation of high-quality infrastructure projects. The equipment will also contribute to the quick response to calamities and disasters, fostering the sustainable development of the region.
“I really fight for the purchase of these equipment amounting to P576-million, marami pa itong kasunod,” Minister Guerra said, expressing his commitment to securing the acquisitions.
The sewage trucks, specifically acquired for drainage declogging, are expected to address persistent flooding issues in the region, particularly in Cotabato City and Jolo, Sulu.
District Engineers Kasim Hasanin of Basilan DEO, Engineer Avila Abobakar of Maguindanao 1st DEO, Emran Buisan of Maguindanao 2nd DEO, Abolcair Langilao of Lanao 1st DEO, Maldamin Decampong of Lanao del Sur 2nd DEO, Ajan Ajijul of Sulu 1st DEO, Az-zamier Arbison of Sulu 2nd DEO, Borris-Zanzibar Kadil of Tawi-Tawi DEO, and Rasul Piang of Cotabato City DEO received the new equipment and vehicles.
DE Ajijul of Sulu 1st DEO expressed satisfaction with the new assets, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance for their longevity.
“Maligaya po kami na nabigyan ng brand new, kasi itong brand new kung maganda lang ang pag-maintain mahirap ito masira. Kahit ‘yung previous na binigay sa amin hanggang ngayon hindi pa rin nasisira,” he said.
“This acquisition is a step towards enhancing our organizational mobility enabling us to better serve the community, and fulfill our mission especially the implementation of infrastructure projects in the BARMM region,” said MPW Director General Danilo Ong.
The turnover ceremony, held during the 5th Bangsamoro Foundation Anniversary from January 19 to 26 in the region, saw the presence of MPW Acting Chief of the Equipment Management Division Shamsuddin Hussein and other key MPW personnel. (Myrna Tepadan/BIO with reports from MPW)
