TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Governor James S. Edduba underscored the importance of empowering barangays as the foundation of stronger communities during the turnover of more than P2.7 million worth of "ombak" utility vehicles to beneficiary barangays in Rizal on August 4.
The service vehicles were provided through the initiative of Second District Board Member Julius B. Amla, with the support of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan led by Vice Governor Atty. Dave Q. Odiem, which approved the ordinance authorizing the donation.
Governor Edduba backed the initiative by approving the Provincial Government's assistance for the acquisition of the vehicles, reflecting his administration's commitment to strengthening grassroots governance under its LUMIN-AWA Kalinga agenda.
In a message delivered by Provincial Legal Officer Atty. John Paul Baguiwan, Edduba said the turnover represented more than the distribution of vehicles—it was an investment in the capability of barangays to better serve their constituents.
"...it is another testament to our Provincial Government's steadfast commitment to bringing meaningful and responsive public service closer to our people. This initiative reflects our belief that development is most effective when our barangays are equipped with the resources they need to better serve their communities," Edduba said.
The governor emphasized that barangays are the frontliners in public service, and equipping them with the necessary resources enables them to respond more quickly to emergencies, strengthen community outreach, and deliver essential services more efficiently.
Addressing the recipient barangays, Edduba reminded local officials that the "ombak" units are not merely vehicles but vital public assets that must be used responsibly and exclusively for official purposes.
"These vehicles are not merely modes of transportation but instruments of public service that will improve mobility, strengthen community outreach, and help deliver essential services more efficiently to the people you represent. Use them solely for their intended purpose. Take good care of them through proper maintenance and responsible use so that they may continue to benefit not only the present generation but many more to come," he added.
Edduba's message echoed Amla's earlier explanation that he proposed the project after hearing the concerns of barangay officials regarding transportation, peace and order, and emergency response.
According to Amla, the "ombak" vehicles will enable barangay officials and volunteer tanods to conduct patrols more efficiently, respond more quickly during emergencies, and improve the delivery of government services, particularly in geographically challenging areas.
"Kasapulan da daytoy tapno maprotektaran ti komunidad ken mapapartak ti panagserbi dagiti barangay officials… Panpanunutek metlang no anya ti makatulong iti Rizal. Kasapulan dagiti tanod daytoy nga ombak. Saan a mabalin nga aground patrol da iti rabii a magmagna laeng. Daytoy ket makatulong kadakuada iti panagserbi ken panagresponde kadagiti insidente," Amla said.
The initiative highlights the Provincial Government's continuing commitment to strengthening grassroots governance by providing barangays with the equipment they need to protect their communities, improve public service delivery, and respond more effectively to the needs of residents.
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