1ST IN THE COUNTRY. The brand-new P13-million backhoe loader, the first-of-its kind in the Philippines, recently acquired by the City of Bacolod. (Photo courtesy of Bacolod City PIO )
BACOLOD CITY -- The City of Bacolod has acquired a PHP13-million imported backhoe loader, which is the first-of-its-kind in the Philippines.
The heavy equipment was unveiled by the city government on Tuesday during the turnover to the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) held at the Bacolod Government Center grounds led by Mayor Evelio Leonardia.
Executive Assistant Jose Maria Vargas, cluster head for DRRMO, and Dondon Parandas, officer-in-charge of CDRRMO, received the keys to the backhoe loader and the PHP5-million dump truck from Leonardia, in the presence of Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran.
Vargas said the backhoe loader, manufactured by leading Turkish firm Hidromek, is a combination of a payloader, concrete breaker, and a rock crusher.
“This is being first used in Bacolod…This is imported, this was shipped directly from Europe,” he added.
Vargas said the air-conditioned equipment can be used in disaster response, particularly during an earthquake, and also for flood control operations.
The latest acquisition is the city’s third backhoe unit. The other two purchased in 2009 are still operational, Vargas said.
He added that a Bacolod-based technician has been tasked to provide after sales service or maintenance.
Vargas said the two brand-new equipment will be temporarily used by the City Engineer’s Office for its maintenance operations.
Moreover, Vargas said the CDRRMO is also proposing the acquisition of a rapid response vehicle, boom truck, and additional closed-circuit television cameras. (PNA)
