Iriga City continues to boost its disaster preparedness with the turnover of two newly donated rescue boats, held last Monday, June 9. The ceremonial turnover was led by Councilor-elect Hon. Jor-el Caayao, together with local officials and employees of the City Government of Iriga. The boats were formally received by City Mayor Rex C. Oliva and will be operated and maintained by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO). Designed for use in narrow waterways and difficult terrain, these new boats are expected to play a critical role in emergency response, particularly in flood-prone and remote areas.
The City Government was the grateful recipient of this donation, which was made possible through the joint efforts of the Kiwanis Club of Iriga City and Kiwanis Club of Metro Iriga. The donation was spearheaded by Past District Governor Glenda Hufano of Kiwanis International, Philippine Luzon District (Administrative Term 2023โ2024), and Past Lieutenant Governor Randy Ulnagan. Their generosity, along with the support of Past Lieutenant Governor Hon. Jor-el Caayao and the family of Atty. Leo Arnel M. Caayao, was instrumental in bringing this life-saving initiative to fruition.
Representing the Kiwanis Club of Iriga City were President Kerwin Bonnieve and members William Occiano, Larry Turiano, Ferwin Malaya, Past President Winston Dimaiwat, and Past Lieutenant Governors Atty. Leo Caayao and Hon. Jor-el Caayao. From the Kiwanis Club of Metro Iriga, present were President Joan Cabaltea and members Past President Melicent Nueva-Dimaiwat and Past Lieutenant Governor Suzette Caayao.
This initiative was inspired by the lessons learned during Typhoon Kristine, which brought unprecedented flooding to Iriga City. In response, the City Government recognized the importance of modernizing and strengthening its disaster response tools. The City Government assures the public that the new rescue boats will be maintained in peak condition and ready for deployment when needed to protect the lives and welfare of all Irigueรฑos.
Source: Lungsod Ng Iriga