Kalinga bolsters Emergency Response: Governor Edduba secures TWO rubber boats and TWO transport vehicles

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Strengthening Kalinga’s capacity to respond to fires, accidents, and other emergencies, Governor James S. Edduba secured funding for provincial rescue and emergency assets through the Department of Special Projects (DSP) under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). The funds enabled the purchase of two rubber boats and two transport vehicles.

The governor made the announcement during his message at the Mangili Night for the Bureau of Fire Protection – Cordillera Administrative Region (BFP-CAR) personnel, held at Davidsons Hotel in Bulanao on January 27, 2026.

In his speech, Edduba thanked the DSP for approving Kalinga’s 2026 provincial budget, noting that the funds had already been used to purchase two rubber boats for the municipality of Pinukpuk and two transport vehicles, one each for the provincial government and BFP-Kalinga.

“Diay budget of the province ket approved by the DSP—thank you ta naaprobaran ti budget mi. So for this year, adda met ti budget nga naka-allocate para iti duwa nga rubber boat, ta isu ti request ti Pinukpuk. Ken for the province, adda ti Tactical Reconnaissance and Assault Vehicle (Indigenous System) (TRAVIS) nga mabalin mausar as transport vehicle,” he said.

Despite the approved budget, Edduba explained that they chose a TRAVIS vehicle over an ambulance—not only due to cost, but also because it offers comparable durability and more space, especially for emergency transport of more than one patient.

“Diay TRAVIS gamin—haan nga lang nga ambulance ta haan mi pay kaya gumatang ti ambulance—ket nalawa diay likod na ken mabalin kayo [BFP personnel] agilugan ti maysa or duwa, tapos air-conditioned pay. Ket adda ti duwa nga TRAVIS vehicle garud—one for the province ken one for the BFP,” he explained.

Edduba then urged continued collaboration, emphasizing that any issues should be communicated so the provincial government can assist or seek help from the national government.

He added that a spirit of cooperation and mutual support makes the work more effective and rewarding for everyone.

“So padasen tayo nga agsisinuporta, ket nu adda ti problema, padasen yo latta nga ibaga kanyami. Nu kaya mi ket okay—ket nu pay haan, ag-exert kami ti effort nga mapan agbirok ti tulong from the national. Ti importante, adda ti puso tayo ti tumulong—nga agkikinnadwa ken agisisnuporta tapnu napintas ti trabaho. The work is easier and enjoyable nu agkakadwa tayo amin.”