The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) last 26 June turned over 10 Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) worth P20 million to several local government units and a state university to enhance their emergency medical services.

During the turnover ceremony at the PAGCOR Corporate Office in Pasay City, six PTVs were awarded to the municipalities of Palanan, Quezon, San Isidro, Cabagan, San Mariano and San Pablo, all in Isabela province.

The City of Parañaque, the municipalities of Tanauan in Batangas and Balabac in Palawan as well as the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) in Ilocos Norte also received one PTV unit each.

Each vehicle is fitted with a GPS navigation system and essential medical equipment such as an ambulance stretcher, oxygen tank, wheelchair and first aid kit.

PAGCOR chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said the PTV distribution is part of the agency’s efforts to improve healthcare delivery and to enhance access to medical services especially in geographically isolated communities.

“We want to ensure that even remote areas have the means to respond to medical emergencies. This is part of PAGCOR’s commitment to reach communities that need government support the most,” Tengco said.

Mayor Christopher A. Mamauag of Cabagan, Isabela — a town where travel to tertiary hospitals takes several hours — expressed gratitude for the assistance and said the vehicle will significantly boost the town’s emergency response capabilities.