MATI CITY, Davao Oriental (PIA) – Residents of seven towns in Davao Oriental who need hospital care can now be serviced by Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
The local government units to benefit the PTVs include Mati City and the municipalities of Baganga, Banaybanay, Cateel, Caraga, Lupon, and Tarragona. The remaining four LGUs are expected to receive their units once documentary requirements are completed.
During the turnover ceremony held at the Capitol Covered Court in Mati City, Imelda A. Papin, PCSO Board of Directors member, shared that the distribution of PTVs in the province is part of the agency’s Medical Transport Vehicle (MTV) Donation program, which aimed at strengthening local government units’ emergency response capabilities.
“Today’s activity marks PCSO’s continued commitment to the release of 956 newly procured PTVs to be distributed to LGUs nationwide, especially to the municipalities that have not yet received PTVs,” she said.
She added, “Lahat ng munisipyo ay dapat magkaroon ng PTV. Iyan po ang pangarap ng ating pangulo through PCSO.” (All municipalities must have a PTV. That is the dream of our president through PCSO.)
Meanwhile, Davao Oriental Gov. Niño Sotero L. Uy expressed his gratitude to the PCSO for its continued support of the provincial government’s efforts to provide inclusive and accessible healthcare for all.
“We sincerely thank the National Government through the PCSO for making this possible. This will surely benefit many Oriental Dabawenyos. On their behalf, daghang salamat (thank you very much),” he said.
As one of the recipient LGUs, Mati City Vice Mayor Enzo Rabat expressed his gratitude to the PCSO for the prompt approval and delivery of the new Patient Transport Vehicle, which the city requested last year.
“This will be a welcome addition [to our emergency response capabilities] that will help us further in our goal to provide health services in our city,” he explained.
Each vehicle is equipped with essential medical tools, including a stretcher, oxygen tank, blood pressure monitor, ambulance bag, medicine cabinet, and wheelchair, ensuring faster and more efficient patient transport. (ASO/PIA Davao Oriental with reports and photos from Davao Oriental PIO)
