Butuan city: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the distribution of 71 patient transport vehicles (PTVs) from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to local government units (LGUs) in the Caraga Region. The event took place at the Butuan Sports Complex in Libertad, Butuan City, where vehicle keys were handed over to the provincial and local governments of Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, the Province of Dinagat Islands, Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental, Butuan City, and Bonifacio, Misamis Occidental.

According to Philippines News Agency, each vehicle is equipped with basic necessities and emergency equipment, including a stretcher, oxygen tank, wheelchair, first aid kit, blood pressure monitor, medicines, and other essential supplies. President Marcos emphasized the significant impact these vehicles will have on improving the healthcare system.

Marcos also mentioned that approximately 158 PTVs had been delivered to Kidapawan City, North Cotabato. This delivery aims to support LGUs in the Davao Region, Soccsksargen, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, acknowledging the limited healthcare services in these areas.

The President expressed confidence in completing the distribution of PTVs to all LGUs nationwide within the year, aiming to make healthcare more accessible. The recent delivery increases the nationwide total to 1,540 PTVs, covering nearly 89 percent of the country's 1,724 municipalities and cities.

The PCSO has allocated PHP1 billion to procure 395 additional PTVs, with the goal of achieving full coverage by the end of the year. This effort supports President Marcos' objective of an accessible healthcare system and is part of the PCSO's ongoing commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery, particularly for Filipinos in remote and underserved communities.