To mark the city’s 28th Charter Day, Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian and Senator Sherwin Gatchalian led the turnover of 33 brand-new ambulances Sunday, ensuring every barangay in the city has its own dedicated emergency vehicle.

The deployment aims to decentralize and accelerate medical response times across the northern Metro Manila city.

Each unit is equipped with specialized medical features, including stretcher beds with safety restraints, spinal boards, trauma kits, and two-way radio systems linked to the city’s central command center.

During the ceremony, the mayor said the investment in emergency infrastructure is vital for a growing urban center where “timely medical response can mean the difference between life and death.”

He also cited that providing a dedicated ambulance to each of the city’s 33 barangays empowers local leaders and frontline responders to act without delay.

“This program supports our health initiatives by providing fast and efficient service to our constituents,” the mayor said. He urged barangay captains and local officials to reciprocate the investment by providing high-quality service to their residents.

The vehicles feature high-roof designs, allowing paramedics more room to move while administering care, and are fitted with high-visibility emergency lighting and sirens for navigating city traffic.