First batch of 12 brand new motorcycle cabs were distributed to Valenzuela City’s Bantay Bayan Team Leaders in District 2 to enhance its existing response procedures on peace and order.

The Valenzuela Bantay Bayan Office, a vital auxiliary to the local police force, intends to augment the significant variance on the ideal ratio of one policeman for every 500 citizens which is currently being filled in by 382 enforcers serving a projected population of 592,091 constituents. As a volunteer based group, they assist in the implementation of certain laws and city ordinances related to peace and order and disaster risk reduction.

For Mayor WIN Gatchalian, “Providing the necessary mobilization equipment to our present-day local heroes can definitely boost their morale and confidence in strengthening public safety.”

Having been recognized by the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation as one of the business friendly cities in the country for the year 2011, Mayor WIN markets Valenzuela City to business investors with the positive regard that, “The diverse list of thriving corporations and enterprises across the city are living proof that Valenzuela is a suitable home for entrepreneurial opportunities.” To uphold this stance, all the more that security force in the city is continuously being strengthened and improved.

Funded by local government’s Peace and Order Council (POC) and Local Risk Reduction and Management Council (LRRMC), each unit of the Kawasaki Barako 175 4-stroke motorcycle and a yellow-green road rocket sidecar costs PhP 104,200. The succeeding batch of 20 more motorcycle cabs will be intended for both Districts 1 and 2. Thirteen of which shall be allocated for District 1 and the remaining shall be for District 2.

Mary Grace Serrano, Bantay Bayan Team Leader from Barangay Marulas, shared her expected output of this initiative, “Malaking tulong sa pagtupad sa aming tungkulin ang mga bagong motorsiklo dahil mas mapapabilis ang pagresponde naming sa mga suliranin ng barangay (The new motorcycles are great help to respond faster to the cases at our respective barangays).”

There are currently 2,065 Bantay Bayan volunteers working in shifts at the City’s 33 barangay.  Aside from gears and equipment, the City Government invests on their trainings to further enhance their capability to assist in maintaining the City’s status as one of the cradles of peace and order in the country.

Joining the turnover are City External Services (Action Center) Chief, Mr. Roberto D. Darilag and Bantay Bayan Head, P/Maj Loida M. Bondoc (Ret.).