The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) on Wednesday, September 3, turned over seven new Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) to local government units across the country in support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s thrust to strengthen emergency medical services in at-risk and underserved communities.
The latest PTV beneficiaries include Las Piñas City and the municipalities of Tacloban (Leyte), Busuanga (Palawan), San Manuel (Tarlac), Mexico (Pampanga), Kibawe (Bukidnon), and Indang (Cavite).
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco, who led the ceremonial turnover at the agency’s corporate office in Pasay, said the initiative is part of PAGCOR’s continuing commitment to improve healthcare access in far-flung and vulnerable areas.
“This is more than just a turnover of vehicles; it is about saving more lives,” Mr. Tengco said.
“We hope to empower our LGUs to respond faster and more efficiently during medical emergencies. Wala naman pong hinihingi ang gobyerno kung hindi ang alagaan ninyo lang sana ang mga ito.”
The PTVs are fully equipped with a GPS navigation system, ambulance stretcher, medical oxygen, wheelchair, and first aid kit, ensuring safe and efficient transport of patients to the nearest hospital or healthcare facility.
PAGCOR has now donated a total of 51 emergency vehicles to LGUs, public hospitals, frontline agencies, and select military units nationwide.
Busuanga Mayor Raymond Emil Cruz, a former PAGCOR employee, expressed his gratitude to the agency and noted the urgent need for such vehicles in geographically challenged areas.
“Malaki ang aming isla at napakalayo ng ilang barangay sa sentro ng bayan. Kaya ang PTV na ito ay napakahalagang tulong,” Cruz said. “Sisiguraduhin namin na mapapakinabangan ito ng maraming kababayan sa mahabang panahon.”