PDRRMO receives sea ambulance donation from CBNC

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) recently acquired a sea ambulance that will be deployed to the northern island municipalities of Palawan, particularly in Agutaya and Cuyo.

The sea ambulance was donated to the provincial government and turned over to the PDRRMO by Coral Bay Nickel Corporation (CBNC) last Thursday, December 12. The donation was made possible through a request by Board Member Juan Antonio Alvarez to CBNC.

The sea ambulance, worth P7 million, is equipped with first aid and other emergency medical supplies, including an oxygen tank and a surgical bed that can be utilized for minor surgical operations. It has a capacity of 16 persons and can cruise at a maximum speed of 30 knots.

PDRRMO head Jeremias Alili expressed gratitude to CBNC, saying the sea ambulance is a significant boost to their operations during emergencies and disasters, especially in the northern part of the province, which is primarily composed of island municipalities.

Alili said the vessel will significantly enhance their capacity and capability to respond to emergencies in the different islands in the north.

Meanwhile, CBNC Plant Manager Hideaki Sato said the sea ambulance is “not just a simple contribution but also a symbol of the company’s commitment to enhance the quality of life for the people of Palawan.”

Sato noted that the sea ambulance, equipped with essential medical facilities and designed to navigate the challenging waters of Palawan, “is a step toward bridging the gap posed by the challenges of northern Palawan’s geographical situation.”

“It is more than a mode of transport; it is a lifeline. It will ensure that emergencies are responded to swiftly, lives are saved, and the promise of healthcare for all becomes a reality,” he said.