PCSO turns over 44 patient transport vehicles to Mindanao LGUs

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office’s turned over 44 Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) to local government units in Mindanao at the Libertad Sports Complex in Butuan City on Tuesday.

First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos led the handover, a part of the PCSO’s Medical Transport Vehicle Donation Program (MTVDP), which the agency said “supports local governments in strengthening patient mobility, emergency medical response, and access to hospitals and other healthcare facilities.”

“Every Patient Transport Vehicle we turn over today represents PCSO’s commitment to bring help closer to our kababayans, especially during moments when timely medical response can save lives,” PCSO General Manager Mel Robles said.

The 44 PTVs were distributed to beneficiaries from Agusan del Norte, Sulu, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and Tawi-Tawi.

Among the other beneficiaries were the municipalities of Catarman, Guinsiliban, Mahinog, Mambajao, and Sagay in Camiguin.

Robles said the nationwide distribution of PTVs is part on PCSO’s mandate to ensure that proceeds from its gaming operations are returned to the public via accessible health and social services.

“Sa bawat taya, may kawanggawa (For every bet, there is charity). This is the heart of PCSO’s work. We continue to expand the distribution of these vehicles so that more local government units can be assisted, more patients can be reached, and healthcare services can be delivered more quickly to those in need,” Robles said.

The PTVs are expected to help local governments provide patient transport services, especially during medical emergencies. The vehicles may also support local health programs, disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and rehabilitation efforts. —RF, GMA News