The Provincial Government of Camarines Sur, through the Environment, Disaster Management, and Emergency Response Office (EDMERO), recently concluded a two-day training on the operation, management, and maintenance of its brand-new all-terrain amphibious vehicle — equipping CamSur's responders and uniformed personnel with the skills to safely utilize and deploy the vehicle when the need arises.

The training follows the province's recent acquisition of the all-terrain amphibious vehicle to boost the province’s disaster response. It focused on how to properly operate the vehicle, be it on water, land, rough terrain, or even muddy areas.

One of the trainees was Benjamin Buquid, a fire truck driver under the rescue unit of EDMERO.

“Magayon si naging eksperiencia ko as a driver ta dakulang tabang iniyo nin huli ta pwede ining umagi dawa sain. Kaya kung may mga rerescuehun baga, lalo-lalo na nasa disaster management kami, dawa nasa mga alanganin, mare-rescue mi in a possible way,” shared Buquid, basking in the honor of being among the selected to undergo such training.

(“My experience as a driver has been excellent, as this vehicle is a huge help because it can traverse any terrain. So, whenever we have to rescue anyone, especially as part of the disaster management, even in risky areas, we can reach them.”)

A fire truck driver since 2018, Buquid has always welcomed opportunities to upskill to better serve in his role. According to him, the acquisition of the all-terrain vehicle is a significant upgrade as it not only enhances the effectiveness of rescue operations, but also ensures the safety of both evacuees and responders.

“Kaya ako, naoogmang maray na nagkaigwa kita kaniyong vehiculo na iniyo ta ini maitatabang bako lang sako, bako lang saimo, sato gabos na yaon digdi sa CamSur,” he noted, beyond grateful for the initiative to add such a vehicle to the province’s already solid rescue assets.

(“Personally, I am very happy that we now have this vehicle because this will not help me, or you, but all of us here in CamSur.”)

The acquisition of the all-terrain vehicle comes after the impact of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in 2024, which brought intense rainfall and flooded several areas in CamSur. While rescue teams were able to respond using existing disaster response assets at the time, the experience uncovered the need for a safer and more reliable rescue vehicle for operations in flooded areas.

The amphibious vehicle is designed to operate in severe environments where conventional vehicles may struggle. Its high ground clearance and rugged build allow it to navigate rough terrain and debris-filled areas. Its large capacity allows for the transport of multiple passengers and heavy cargo such as medical kits and relief goods. 

"Napakalaking tulong po nitong vehicle na 'to kasi mas mapapadali po yung response. Madali na po yung pag-rescue, pag-transport po ng mga supplies, and other medical kits. Halimbawa po yung area is not passable, mas madali po siyang mapupuntahan kung gamit po yung vehicle na ito," reflected another trainee, FO2 Benjamin Salud of the Bato Fire Station, sharing how the vehicle will make a tangible difference on the ground.

("This vehicle will be a huge help because it will make responses much faster and easier — from rescue operations to the transport of supplies and medical kits. Even if an area is not passable, it can be reached more easily with this vehicle.")

As a province highly vulnerable to typhoons and flooding, this initiative underscores the steadfast commitment of the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur, under Governor Luis Raymund “Lray” Villafuerte, Jr., to continuously upgrade and strengthen its disaster response assets and capabilities to better serve and protect its people.