Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday urged the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to fulfill its commitment to donate two patient transport vehicles (PTVs) to each local government unit (LGU) nationwide. Marcos made the call during the turnover of 90 PTVs to LGUs in a ceremony at the Quirino Grandstand in the City of Manila, as he expressed confidence over the PCSO’s capability of equipping every municipality with two vehicles.
According to Philippines News Agency, as part of its Medical Transport Vehicle Donation Program, the PCSO donated 90 PTVs to mayors from the provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Negros Occidental, and Northern Samar. The event coincided with the PCSO’s 90th anniversary and marked the first observance of the National Day of Charity, established through Proclamation 598 signed by President Marcos Jr. on June 13, 2024.
Marcos called on the LGU beneficiaries to take good care of the PTVs, saying the emergency vehicles donated are a good model and easy to use. He emphasiz
ed the importance of the vehicles’ design, which allows for easy maintenance and the availability of parts, ensuring that any mechanic can perform repairs.
Under the program, the PCSO aims to deliver Type II Advanced Life Support Ambulances, PTVs, and Sea Ambulances, particularly to underserved regions in the country. As the government’s primary charitable agency, the PCSO is donating PTVs to enhance healthcare access in remote and underserved communities by providing faster response times and efficient patient transport in emergencies.