Bacolod: The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has bolstered the healthcare infrastructure in Negros Island Region (NIR) and Western Visayas by delivering 82 new patient transport vehicles (PTVs) to local government units (LGUs). This initiative marks a significant step in enhancing the country's healthcare delivery system.
According to Philippines News Agency, the turnover ceremony took place at the Government Center, with PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles and Chairperson Felix Reyes handing over the symbolic keys to the mayors. Bacolod's Mayor Greg Gasataya was present during the ceremony. Robles emphasized the importance of ensuring each town and city has access to a PTV, highlighting the government's commitment to healthcare accessibility.
The distribution of the 82 ambulances includes 37 units for NIR, with 11 going to LGUs in Negros Occidental, 22 to Negros Oriental, and four to Siquijor. In Negros Occidental, the cities of Cadiz, San Carlos, Silay, Sipalay, Talisay, and Victorias, along with the municipalities of Binalbagan, Calatrava, Moises Padilla, San Enrique, and Toboso, are the beneficiaries. In Negros Oriental, the recipients include the cities of Bais, Bayawan, Canlaon, Dumaguete, Guihulngan, and Tanjay, as well as various municipalities. Siquijor's beneficiaries are the municipalities of Enrique Villanueva, Lazi, Maria, and San Juan.
The remaining 45 PTVs are allocated to Western Visayas, with one for Guimaras, seven for Aklan, eight for Antique, nine for Capiz, and 20 for Iloilo Province. Each vehicle is equipped with essential medical equipment such as a stretcher, oxygen tank, wheelchair, first-aid kit, blood pressure monitor, and medicine cabinet.
The Medical Transport Vehicle Donation Program, led by PCSO, aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to provide every province, city, and municipality with PTVs, ensuring equitable access to emergency medical care nationwide. Robles noted that the PCSO's efforts have achieved 98 percent coverage of LGUs across the country.
Including the recent distribution in Bacolod, the PCSO has delivered a total of 1,620 ambulance units nationwide. The organization has allocated PHP 1 billion this year to procure 395 more PTVs, aiming for complete coverage by the end of 2025.
