Valenzuela acquires new dump trucks

A total of 38 dump trucks and 3 heavy equipment vehicles, which were acquired by the Valenzuela City government, were turned over to the city's Waste Management Division (WMD) and Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) by Mayor Wes Gatchalian in a simple turnover ceremony and blessing at the Action Center Parking Grounds.

Gatchalian said the acquisition of these dump trucks and heavy equipment vehicles is a validation of the local chief executive's goal for Valenzuela to become a livable city.

Each unit of dump truck costs P1,973,684.21, while the excavator costs P8,888,888, the wheel loader costs P7,358,888, and the aerial platform costs P6,995,000.

The mayor added that the newly acquired vehicles are for the WMD and POSO's Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group in carrying out their services and duties for the Pamilyang Valenzuelano, specifically timely waste collection; and ensuring that all sidewalks are clear from all kinds of obstruction.

Currently, the WMD has 84 existing dump trucks and 61 of these are operational. The turnover of these trucks is very timely for the WMD in collecting domestic waste and garbage around the city where the collection occurs twice a week within all the 33 barangays. In addition to the collection of waste, the Clean and Green Division also ensures street sweeping operations and maintains cleanliness on all major and secondary roads within the jurisdiction of the city.

In his message, Mayor Gatchalian reiterated that these dump trucks will be the solution to maintain orderliness and cleanliness in the City.

"Tayo po, ang ating bayan ay nakilala bilang isang malinis at maayos na lungsod. Ito na po ang sagot para mapanatili natin at ituloy natin ang kalinisan sa ating mahal na lungsod," he said.

To spread this good news to Valenzuelanos, the city government will hold a motorcade of these dump trucks to convey the message, "Tuloy ang Malinis na Valenzuela, Tuloy ang Progreso!"

Before the formal turnover, Father JP Tolentino officiated the blessing of the newly acquired dump trucks and heavy equipment.

Recently, the City Government of Valenzuela received a plaque of recognition during the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Urban Governance Exemplar Awards 2023 for the city's effective implementation of the Manila Bay Clean-up, Rehabilitation, and Preservation Program where part of its mandamus is the Solid Waste Management.

Joining the turnover ceremony were Vice Mayor Lorie Natividad-Borja, a member of the City Council, POSO head Jay Valenzuela, Public Sanitation and Cleanliness head Noel Delesmo, Waste Management Division officer-in-charge Mayette Antonio, truck drivers and paleros, and heavy equipment drivers of motorpool.