Twelve local government units (LGUs) across the country received a timely boost in emergency health services after receiving brand-new Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation on Tuesday, October 21.
The latest beneficiaries are the municipalities of Calumpit (Bulacan), Baras (Rizal); New Bataan (Davao de Oro); Bugallon (Pangasinan); Toboso (Negros Occidental); Sultan Kudarat (Maguindanao del Norte); Burgos, Laoag, Bacarra, Sarrat, and Pasuquin (Ilocos Norte); and the City of Navotas.
Each PTV comes fully equipped with a GPS navigation system, ambulance stretcher, medical oxygen, wheelchair, and first aid kit, ensuring the safe and efficient transport of patients to the nearest hospitals or healthcare facilities.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco, who led the turnover ceremony at the agency’s Corporate Office in Pasay City, underscored the vehicles’ critical role in saving lives, particularly in remote communities where disaster response is often hindered by mobility challenges.
“These vehicles are not merely means of transport,” Mr. Tengco said. “They are lifelines that can make the difference between life and death for those in need of urgent medical attention.”
New Bataan Mayor Atty. Mar Bianca Cualing-Brua welcomed the donation, noting its timeliness following the recent series of strong earthquakes that affected Visayas and Mindanao.
“When calamities strike, local governments rely on their own capacities and resources for emergency medical services. Donations like this are crucial,” she said. “We are truly grateful to PAGCOR for choosing our town as a recipient of their PTV donation.”
Toboso Mayor Richard Jaojoco also expressed appreciation for the new emergency vehicle, highlighting the challenges of serving a far-flung municipality with limited access to hospitals.
“This will be a huge help, especially for dialysis patients and anyone needing emergency care. We are far from major cities, so having this PTV is truly lifesaving,” he said.
Since February 2025, PAGCOR has already distributed 142 Patient Transport Vehicles to LGUs and partner agencies nationwide, including 70 units turned over to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) earlier this month.
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