SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — The Department of Science and Technology in Region III (DOST-III) has turned over P20 million to the Zambales provincial government for the procurement of a Mobile Command and Control Vehicle (MOCCOV) for its disaster-preparedness program.

The project is part of DOST’s Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology (CEST) program for Central Luzon, said DOST-III director Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat.

Sicat turned over the fund in a ceremony at the CEST Regional Program Management Office, DOST Region III, in the presence of PSTO-Zambales Director Bernardita Montevirgen.

Zambales Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head Rolex Estella and Provincial Treasurer Emmanuel C. Adaoag received the fund on behalf of the Zambales provincial government.

The MOCCOV will serve as a mobile hub for effective coordination and response before, during, and after emergency and disaster situations.

The command-and-control vehicle boasts of modern technology for communication and surveillance, as well as triage systems.

DOST said the project is made possible with the support of Senator Joel Villanueva under the administration of DOST-III. — Taktikom News & Features