NATION

DILG okays two sea ambulances

Rico Mirasol · Sep 18, 2026, 2:49 AM

THE Department of the Interior and Local Government has granted clearance to the Cebu Provincial Government to purchase two sea ambulances worth P50 million, aimed at improving emergency medical response in the province’s island communities. — Photograph courtesy of Cebu Provincial Government

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has approved the purchase of two sea ambulances by year-end, with the bidding process now underway.

Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office chief Col. Dennis Pastor (ret.) disclosed this to DAILY TRIBUNE on Thursday.

Provincial administrator Atty. Joseph Ace Durano said the bidding for the P50-million vessels has reached the post-bid stage.

“The bidding is ongoing. It’s already in the post-bid stage and has been published, so we’re just waiting for compliance with the required periods,” Durano said.

The two sea ambulances will be deployed in Bantayan and Camotes islands.

“What we said about completing it within the year remains our target. The procurement process is already underway,” Durano added.

Pastor said the provincial government is looking at local suppliers to help keep the delivery process on schedule.

He added that having a local supplier would also be an advantage in the maintenance of the vessels.

DAILY TRIBUNE requested from DILG, through Regional Director Leocadio Trovela, the approval of the vessels’ purchase, but as of this writing, DILG has not yet furnished the document.