QUEZON CITY, (PIA) — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the turnover of 129 patient transport vehicles (PTVs), to local government units (LGUs) on Tuesday under the Medical Transport Vehicle Donation Program of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
During the distribution event at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, Marcos emphasized the program’s aim to enhance healthcare access and provide swift medical intervention, particularly in vulnerable communities and geographically isolated areas.
“The Medical Transport Vehicle Donation Program builds on our thrust to improve healthcare access and provide swift medical intervention,” he said.
The President noted that the program is designed to deliver Type II Advanced Life Support Ambulances and Sea Ambulances specifically to underserved regions, ensuring timely assistance for victims in emergency situations.
“We will be giving these PTVs to provincial, city, and municipal governments to help ensure that their constituencies will be given the chance to pull through whenever they need these assets for rescue and healthcare,” he added.
Marcos described the ambulances as essential resources for first responders, whom he referred to as “heroes in the medical field.” He highlighted the importance of these vehicles in providing timely medical intervention, stating that they can make a critical difference in life-and-death situations.
The President also reiterated the PCSO’s commitment to procure more PTVs, aiming for every municipality in the Philippines to be equipped with two vehicles.
“It is a vision worth every ounce of effort,” he said, urging stakeholders to work diligently to turn this aspiration into reality.
He called on LGUs to use the donated vehicles responsibly and efficiently, stressing the importance of prioritizing the welfare of Filipinos to achieve effective and life-changing impacts.
In total, the distribution included ambulances for 87 LGUs in the CALABARZON region, 25 in the Bicol region, eight in Central Luzon, six in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and three in Cagayan Valley.
President Marcos encouraged continuous collaboration among the PCSO, LGUs, and other agencies to create programs that enhance security and improve the quality of life for all Filipinos. (GLG/PIA-NCR)