Police officials in Baguio found an alternative in order to help flood-stricken province of Cagayan.
Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) Director Col. Allen Rae Co told Manila Bulletin that they contacted the boat concessionaires and asked them if they could lend the popular fiberglass pedal-powered swan pontoons in Burnham park to be used as rescue boats in Cagayan.
He said Vivian Celso willingly lent two of her boats, which were transported by a boat trailer from the Pangasinan Police Marine Office. Each swan boat can accommodate 10 persons.
“If her boats can help save a life, it will all be for a worthy cause,” Celso was quoted as saying.
He more “swan” boats was lent to the BCPO, but only two swan boats can be accommodated due to logistical concerns.
The boats have rigid hulls, and are made of fiberglass which are perfect in navigating flooded areas with sharp debris.
Police Regional Office (PRO) Cordillera Director Brig. Gen. R’win Pagkalinawan recalled that these “swan” boats had been deployed a ten years ago in La Trinidad, Benguet. The swan boats were used to rescue residents back then during Typhoon Peping.
