Manila: The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has distributed 1,297 patient transport vehicles (PTVs) across the nation under its Medical Transport Vehicle Donation Program, achieving 75.23 percent coverage of the country’s 1,724 local government units (LGUs).
According to Philippines News Agency, PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles announced at the PCSO Charity Summit 2025 held at the Manila Hotel that the PHP2.5-billion investment in PTVs ensures that more Filipinos, especially those in remote and underserved regions, have access to medical transport. Robles emphasized the significance of this effort, stating that the agency has pledged an additional PHP1 billion to procure 375 more PTVs by the end of the year to achieve full coverage.
Robles highlighted the features of each PTV, which include a stretcher, oxygen tank, wheelchair, first aid kit, blood pressure monitor, and medicine cabinet. He also discussed the broader impact of PCSO’s initiatives, noting the PHP7.97 billion worth of medical assistance provided since 2022, benefitting nearly one million patients nationwide.
The PCSO has also supported 122 institutions with PHP68.28 million under the Institutional Partnership Program, aiding organizations that care for vulnerable groups such as children, orphans, and persons with special needs. Furthermore, under the Medical Equipment Donation Program, PCSO has delivered PHP103 million worth of medical equipment to 14 hospitals since 2022, with nearly PHP22 million worth of equipment provided in the first quarter of 2025 alone.
Robles outlined future plans to enhance PCSO’s reach, including partnerships with government hospitals, mobile health and dental clinic units, and sea-based patient transport vehicles. These initiatives align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to modernize the country’s healthcare system.
The summit, which brought together government, civil society, and private sector partners, featured forums, exhibits, networking sessions, and a symbolic ‘Handprints on the Commitment Wall,’ where participants pledged their dedication to humanitarian work. Robles concluded by emphasizing the importance of collaboration and the impact of PCSO’s programs on lives and families across the Philippines.
