18 local government units in Iloilo Province were provided with Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) by President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos, Jr. today in Passi City, as part of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office's Medical Transport Vehicle Donation Program.
The recipient LGUs included the towns of Badiangan, Balasan, Barotac Nuevo, Barotac Viejo, Bingawan, Calinog, Carles, Estancia, Lambunao, Leon, Miag-ao, New Lucena, Oton, Passi City, Pavia, San Joaquin, San Rafael, and Tigbauan.
"This builds upon our thrust to improve people's access to healthcare, especially in vulnerable communities and geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas," said PBBM, highlighting that it "will provide timely and safe transportation for patients to and from medical facilities".
The PTVs are equipped with stretchers, oxygen tanks, and blood pressure monitors among other medical equipment.
"These PTVs will enhance the capacity to tackle healthcare challenges and make a genuine difference in the lives of (LGU) constituents," said PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles.
Iloilo Provincial Administrator Raul Banias expressed gratitude on behalf of Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr., highlighting the vehicles' potential to benefit Ilonggos significantly.
"Daku ini nga bagay nga makabulig sa aton mga pasyente nga matransport sa aton hospitals," said Banias.
The PTVs can be upgraded into fully functional ambulance vehicles with the installation of additional medical equipment and the license to operate which must be secured from the Department of Health.
According to Banias, should the towns request upgrading, the governor "is ready to help so they can obtain a license to operate from DOH".
Since July, 416 PTVs have been distributed nationwide, with plans for an additional 1,000 units, underscoring the administration's commitment to improving healthcare in underserved regions.
This is also seen to upscale the country's preparedness and response to disasters at both the local and the national levels.
The president urged the LGUs to ensure that their PTVs are not left idle in parking lots but are actively serving the public, reaching remote communities, and delivering swift, reliable healthcare to Filipinos in need.
A total of 51 PTVs were distributed earlier in Passi City, divided among the provinces of Iloilo, Aklan, Antique, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental.
Other PCSO Officials led by its Chairman Judge Felix P. Reyes, General Director Janet De Leon Mercado, Director Jennifer E. Liongson-Guevara, and Director Imelda A. Papin were also present during the event.
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