Pasay city: The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has handed over 10 patient transport vehicles valued at PHP20 million to nine local government units (LGUs) and a state university. This initiative aims to bolster emergency medical services across different regions.
According to Philippines News Agency, PAGCOR chairperson and chief executive officer Alejandro Tengco stated that the initiative is part of the agency's efforts to improve healthcare delivery and enhance access to medical services, particularly in geographically isolated communities. "We want to ensure that even remote areas have the means to respond to medical emergencies. This is part of PAGCOR's commitment to reach communities that need government support the most," he said.
The recipients of the ambulances include six towns in Isabela province-Palanan, Quezon, San Isidro, Cabagan, San Mariano, and San Pablo-along with Tanauan in Batangas, Balabac in Palawan, Para±aque City, and Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) in Ilocos Norte. Each vehicle is equipped with essential life-saving equipment such as a stretcher, oxygen tank, wheelchair, first aid kit, and a Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation system.
Cabagan, Isabela Mayor Christopher Mamauag expressed gratitude for the ambulance, emphasizing its potential to significantly impact residents, many of whom need to travel several hours to reach a tertiary hospital. "Malaking tulong po ito at gagamitin namin ito ng wasto (This is a great help and we will use it properly)," he remarked.
Mayor Mamauag also extended thanks to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and PAGCOR, led by Chairman Alejandro Tengco, for fulfilling their request for a patient transport vehicle to serve the people of Cabagan. "Kami po ay nagpapasalamat kay President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., at sa PAGCOR, sa pamumuno ni Chairman Alejandro Tengco, sa pagpapaunlak sa aming kahilingan na magkaroon ng patient transport vehicle para sa aming mga kababayan sa bayan ng Cabagan," he said.
PAGCOR highlighted that supporting public health initiatives remains a top priority for the agency, underscoring its commitment to allocating gaming revenues towards projects that uplift communities and enhance local services. "Yan po ang hangad ng PAGCOR. Salamat sa pagkakataong makatulong at makapaglingkod sa inyo (That is PAGCOR's goal. Thank you for the opportunity to help and serve you)," Tengco stated during the turnover event held at its Corporate Office in Pasay City.
