Passi City, Iloilo
September 19, 2024

“This [is] built upon our thrust to improve our people’s access to health care, especially in vulnerable communities and geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas… In delivering our services, every second matters and these vehicles will ensure that help would arrive without delay. Because our work is about prompt action,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conveyed after leading the distribution of 51 Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) to local government units (LGUs) in Western Visayas during a ceremony in Passi City, Iloilo.

In his keynote speech, the President highlighted the importance of swift medical intervention in response to calamities and emergencies that have affected the country, citing that the national government aims to provide timely and safe transportation of patients to and from medical facilities.

“Each PTV is equipped with a stretcher, oxygen tank, and blood pressure monitor, among other medical equipment. We are making sure that no Filipino is left stranded without help,” he reiterated, underscoring the importance of the Medical Transport Vehicle (MTV) Donation Program of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

He likewise announced that he has approved a budget of over PhP2 billion this year for the acquisition of 1,000 PTVs to cover all cities and municipalities nationwide, noting that this initiative is part of the government’s efforts to upscale its preparedness and response to calamities and disasters at the local and national levels.

The Chief Executive expressed his gratitude and optimism to the PCSO for its continuous mission of charitable programs and services to millions of Filipinos across the country.

Furthermore, he called on the LGUs in Iloilo to ensure that these vehicles reach the farthest communities and deliver what they have promised — reliable health care for every Filipino. “Because at the end of the day, true public service is not just about showing up; it is about getting there on time, every time, with assistance ready to be given to those in need,” he added.

“As we continue to put the welfare of our fellow Filipinos at the top of our priorities, you can all be assured that this Administration will continue investing in health care, not only in the form of medical facilities and assets but also in the capacity-building of our medical professionals… With us working together, I am confident that we will succeed in bringing forth a brighter and healthier Bagong Pilipinas for all,” President Marcos Jr. ended in his speech.

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