Quirino Grandstand, City of Manila
October 30, 2024
In a move to enhance healthcare accessibility, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the turnover of 90 Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) to local government units (LGUs) in a ceremony at the Quirino Grandstand in the City of Manila.
In his speech, President Marcos Jr. highlighted the importance of bringing essential healthcare services closer to the people, especially in remote and underserved communities.
With approximately PhP2.2 billion allocated, the government plans to deliver 1,000 PTVs to cities and municipalities across the Philippines by the end of the year.
“Ito lang ay patuloy sa ating progama at pinipilit natin ang bawat LGU ay magkaroon ng ambulansya, magkaroon ng ganitong tinatawag na Patient Transport Vehicle. At ito naman ay project, programa ng PCSO na aming pinag-usapan mula pag-upo na pag-upo ko at nandiyan na si Mel Robles at sinabi ko sa kanya noong siya’y nailagay sa PCSO, ang utos ko sa kanya ay ibalik ninyo ang PCSO sa charity work,” the President remarked.
The Chief Executive stressed that these PTVs are not only functional vehicles but symbols of the government’s commitment to the welfare and health of every Filipino.
The handover also celebrated the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office’s (PCSO’s) 90th anniversary and the first observance of the National Day of Charity, marking a milestone in the Agency’s contributions to healthcare accessibility nationwide.
Looking ahead, the President expressed his optimism about the future of the program, noting that the PCSO plans to double the vehicle distribution, potentially achieving a 200% increase in future rollouts.
“Kaya’t ulit, ako’y natutuwa na aming nagagawa ito na ang ating mga LGU ay hindi na nahihirapan. Alam naman natin, lalo na sa outside ng mga malalaking siyudad, ay kailangan na kailangan ito. Patient transport, for — marami, ginagamit ‘yan sa maraming bagay. Kaya’t magpasalamat tayo sa PCSO sa kanilang patuloy na trabaho para sa pag-deliver ng emergency vehicle at ipagpatuloy natin itong programang ito,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ended in his speech.
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