Koronadal City, South Cotabato-The use of provincial government vehicles during the holiday season has drawn public attention, prompting clarification from the provincial leadership on the purpose and mandate behind their continued operation. Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo addressed the issue by emphasizing that the use of government vehicles during holidays is not a matter of privilege, but a necessity anchored on public service, program implementation, and the safety of the people in the province.
“We are looking at the benefits of using our vehicles during this holiday season to ensure the implementation of programs and to ensure the safety of the residents of the province,” Governor Tamayo said in response to concerns regarding the presence of government vehicles on the roads during holiday periods.
According to Governor Tamayo, the provincial government is carefully looking at the benefits of utilizing official vehicles during the holiday season to ensure that essential government programs continue without interruption. He stressed that the responsibility of the government to serve the public does not pause during holidays, as many critical services require constant readiness and mobility.
The governor explained that various sectors of the provincial government remain on duty even during celebrations. Health services, in particular, continue to operate around the clock. Doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel are expected to report for duty to respond to emergencies, provide medical care, and maintain hospital operations.
Government vehicles play a crucial role in transporting personnel, medical supplies, and patients, especially in remote and far-flung areas of the province. Aside from the medical sector, men in uniform, including police officers and other security personnel, are also deployed throughout the holidays to maintain peace and order.
With increased travel, public events, and gatherings during the season, the need for heightened security and rapid response becomes more pressing. Official vehicles allow law enforcement units to conduct patrols, respond to incidents, and ensure public safety efficiently. Governor Tamayo also highlighted the importance of engineering teams and disaster response units, noting that emergencies do not take a break during the holidays.
Engineering offices continue to conduct inspections of roads, bridges, and public infrastructure, while disaster response teams remain on standby to respond to accidents, fires, and possible weather-related incidents. The availability of government vehicles ensures quick mobilization and timely assistance when emergencies arise. In addressing public criticism, Governor Tamayo called for understanding and fairness in assessing government actions.
He urged the public not to immediately assume misuse but to consider the broader objective of service delivery. “We should not be fault finders. We should look at the benefits that can be given to our people,” Tamayo said, underscoring that every government action should be evaluated based on its contribution to public welfare.
Provincial officials further assured the public that the use of government vehicles remains regulated and guided by existing rules and policies. They stressed that these vehicles are used strictly for official functions related to public service, emergency response, and program implementation, even during the holiday season.
As the province prepares for the festivities, the provincial government reiterated its commitment to ensuring that essential services remain accessible, responsive, and effective. Through the continued and responsible use of government vehicles, officials aim to safeguard public safety and uphold the mandate of service proving that governance remains active, even during the holidays.
