The city government on Monday turned over 54 Japanese bikes to barangay tanods of selected barangays to boost their mobility and ensure public safety.

Twenty one Japanese bikes for the Barangay Bike Patrol came from the city government while another 21 were donations from the Uswag Ilonggo and 12 from Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI).

In his message after the turnover, Mayor Jerry Treñas said he hoped the bike could help in the mobility of barangay tanods while they patrol their barangays.

“We have always looked for ways and means to ensure that everyone is safe especially this time where we need to be extra careful to save a life,” he said.

Recipients of the donation from the city government included tanods of barangays Dungon A, Dungon B, Calubihan, Sambag, and Cuartero in Jaro district; San Rafael, Bakhaw and Bolilao in Mandurriao; Villa Anita, Inday, Sampaguita, San Agustin, Ortiz, Malipayon and Sto. Rosario in City Proper; Tap oc, Poblacion, Taal, Infante and Rizal Lapuz Sur in Molo and in Nabitasan, La Paz.

Barangays Sto. Niño Sur and Sooc in Arevalo; Veterans Village, City Proper; Balabago, Balantang, Bitoon, Cubay, Quintin Salas, San Isidro, Tabu Suba and Tacas from Jaro; Baldoza, Ingore and Jereos from La Paz, Bo. Obrero and Sinikway from Lapuz; Airport and Guzman-Jesena barangay from Mandurriao and Boulevard, Calumpang and North Baluarte in Molo each received a Japanese bike donation from the Uswag Iloilo.

Bikes donated by IFFI were given to tanods of barangays Kaingin, Divinagracia and Baldoza in La Paz; Zamora Melliza, Rizal Pala-Pala, and Concepcion in City Proper; Lopez Jaena, Sambag, Balantang and Ungka in Jaro; South Fundidor, Molo; and Osmeñ St., in Arevalo.

The donations came with tanod uniforms and complete gears for the protection of the rider.

Way back in 2019, the city government also provided bike patrols to the Iloilo City Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO) to aid them in guarding the Esplanade and assist guests who come to visit the place.

The mayor introduced the idea to ensure public safety and to stop vandals who try to destroy government projects and properties. (PNA)