CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led on April 22, the distribution of 91 Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) to local government units (LGUs) in Northern Mindanao and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), reaffirming the national government’s commitment to expanding access to health services, particularly in remote communities.
The distribution is part of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office’s (PCSO) Medical Transport Vehicle Donation Program (MTVDP), which aids LGUs in providing frontline healthcare as mandated by the 1991 Local Government Code.
“Batid naman nating lahat na kapag kalusugan ang pinag-uusapan, ang bawat segundo ay mahalaga. Kaya ang tunay na hamon dito ay kung papaano tayo makarating kaagad sa ospital o anong health facility. Itong mga PTV ay makakatulong sa ligtas at maayos na pagdadala sa ating mga kababayan na nangailangan ng medikal na atensyon,” the President said during the turnover ceremony at the Pelaez Sports Complex.
(We all know that when it comes to health, every second counts. The real challenge is how quickly we can reach the hospital or any healthcare facility. These PTVs will help in safely and efficiently transporting our fellow citizens who need medical attention.)
Of the 91 vehicles, 85 were allocated to Northern Mindanao and six to the BARMM. Sixty-eight (68) LGUs are receiving a medical transport vehicle for the first time.
Marcos emphasized that the PTVs were designed to access remote or underserved barangays.
“Sinadya ang disenyo ng mga sasakyang ito upang makarating kahit sa makikitid na daan at malalayong lugar,” he said.
(The design of these vehicles was intentional, allowing them to reach narrow roads and remote areas.)
The MTVDP supports national efforts to strengthen LGUs’ ability to respond to medical emergencies and provide basic healthcare services, particularly in areas with limited access to hospitals and clinics.
Since July 2022, 570 PTVs have been distributed to LGUs outside Metro Manila. The government aims to deliver a total of 1,552 units by the end of 2025, with 567 already provided.
“Ang programa na ito ay sagot sa pangangailangan ng ating komunidad, katuparan ng ating pangako na makapag-abot ng maagap at abot kayang serbisyong pangkalusugan sa bawat Pilipino, nasaan man sila. Ito ay tugon ng pamahalaang handa, mabilis at inyong maaasahan,” the President said.
(This program is the answer to the needs of our communities, fulfilling our promise to provide timely and accessible healthcare services to every Filipino, wherever they may be. It is a response from a government that is ready, quick, and reliable.)
He also urged local officials to properly maintain the vehicles to ensure their long-term use, noting the vehicles are durable, easy to repair, and have readily available spare parts for maintenance.
Reaching communities
Melquiades A. Robles, general manager of the PCSO, emphasized that the vehicles symbolize the government’s dedication to caring for its citizens. He said bringing government services to the people is the centerpiece of President Marcos’ administration, and the vehicle donation supports that objective.
“Bawat pasyente na maisakay ninyo at magkaroon ng pagkakataong lumaban para sa buhay niya, malaking bagay na po sa atin, sa inyo bilang lingkod-bayan at sa ating pamahalang national,” he told recipient LGUs.
(Every patient you’re able to transport and give a fighting chance at life is a significant achievement—for you as public servants and for our national government.)
Governor Peter Unabia, who received the 25 units allocated to various LGUs in Misamis Oriental, expressed gratitude for the PTVs. He emphasized that these vehicles are more than just logistical assets, they are lifelines. “These patient transport vehicles will contribute to improved health outcomes, which are essential to our goal of reducing poverty incidence to single digits by 2028,” he added. (APB/PIA-10)
