Tugade turns over ambulance to Muntinlupa LGU as part of COVID -19 response

The physical turn over of the ambulance to the City Government of Muntinlupa was virtually witnessed by DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade. 

The ambulance was physically handed over by DOTr Assistant Secretary for Procurement and Project Implementation Giovanni Z. Lopez, Foton Motors PH Inc. President Rommel Sytin, and Atty. Jay-Art M. Tugade to Mayor Fresnedi.

Officials who witnessed the turn-over ceremony were City Health Office Head Dr. Teresa Tuliao, Ospital ng Muntinlupa Director Dr. Edwin Dimatatac, Health Committee Chairman Kagawad Dr. Lester Suntay, DRRMO Head Erwin Alfonso, PIO Head Tezz Navarro, and MTMB Chief Danidon Nolasco, along with other officials of the Muntinlupa LGU. (Photo credit: DOTr)

QUEZON CITY, Aug. 21 (PIA) -- Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade officially turned over an ambulance donated by Foton Motors PH, Inc. to the City Government of Muntinlupa Thursday, August 20, 2020.

During the turnover ceremony, Tugade, who has been designated by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) as the COVID-19 Response Overseer of Muntinlupa City, expressed the full support of the national government through the DOTr, as well as his family, to the endeavors of the Muntinlupa LGU, both for upholding good governance and strengthening defense to battle against COVID-19.

“Ngayong araw na ito, in the symbolism that is dictated by the occasion, I would like to assure you, Mr. Mayor Sir [Jaime Fresnedi] that you have the support of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), you have the support of my family, in your pursuit of good governance, in your pursuit to combat and conquer COVID-19. Katuwang at kasama n'yo po kami diyan,” Tugade said.

The ambulance forms part of the swift response of Tugade to the need earlier expressed by the City to further accommodate more of residents who need immediate care, most especially during this time of pandemic.

Tugade also expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Foton Motors PH Inc. President Rommel Sytin for helping him realize his vow to the City.

As the Covid-19 response overseer, Tugade explained his role as the ‘Big Brother’ of the City.

“Kami ‘ho ang magiging enabler, kami ‘ho ang magiging taga-monitor, kami ‘ho ay magsisilbing tulay between the City of Muntinlupa and the IATF, and for that matter, with the Cabinet,” Tugade said.

He added, “...Ang pakikisama at pakikipag-ugnayan ng IATF sa inyo ngayon, wala ‘ho kaming intensyon na pangibabawan kayo, wala ‘ho kaming pamaraang makipagkumpitensya sa inyong nalalaman, pagka’t alam namin, 'yung puso at damdamin n'yo ay nandi-diyan sa Muntinlupa. Alam ‘ho namin na ginagawa ninyo ng tama ang inyong katungkulan..”

For his part, Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi expressed his sincerest gratitude to Secretary Tugade and his family, and to Foton Motors PH Inc. President Rommel Sytin, for the assistance and support they have given, which will surely be of great help to the City and its people, as well as to the response efforts of the LGU, in its fight against an unseen enemy, the COVID-19.

The ambulance was physically handed over by DOTr Assistant Secretary for Procurement and Project Implementation Giovanni Z. Lopez, Foton Motors PH Inc. President Rommel Sytin, and Atty. Jay-Art M. Tugade to Mayor Fresnedi.

Officials who witnessed the turn-over ceremony were City Health Office Head Dr. Teresa Tuliao, Ospital ng Muntinlupa Director Dr. Edwin Dimatatac, Health Committee Chairman Kagawad Dr. Lester Suntay, DRRMO Head Erwin Alfonso, PIO Head Tezz Navarro, and MTMB Chief Danidon Nolasco, along with other officials of the Muntinlupa LGU. (DOTr/PIA-NCR)

source https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1050924