PAGCOR donates emergency vehicles

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation on Wednesday turned over patient transport vehicles (PTVs) to five more LGUs and institutions in support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s program to provide all local government units with PTVs.

The latest recipients include the municipality of Benito Soliven in Isabela; San Pedro City in Laguna; the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP); Ospital ng Parañaque; and the Joint Task Force Unit Ilocos (JTUI) Headquarters.

PAGCOR chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said the donation aims to strengthen the medical and disaster-response capabilities of local government units, public institutions and security forces as advocated by President Marcos.

“Each PTV we turn over is a step closer to making vital medical services more accessible to every Filipino,” Tengco said.

Mayor Art Mercado of San Pablo City, one of the LGU recipients, said the vehicle will significantly enhance the city’s emergency response, particularly for low-income communities.

“It’s a lifeline that will help us save more lives,” he said.

Former Congressman Gus Tambunting also welcomed the donation to the Ospital ng Parañaque, saying: “With this PTV, our hospital can immediately respond to urgent cases, particularly those in need of immediate referral to larger medical facilities.”

At PUP, where thousands of students attend daily classes, the donated PTV is seen as an essential addition.

“In emergency medical situations on campus, this vehicle could spell the difference between life and death,” said university official Dr. Anna Ruby Gapasin.

2nd Lt. Cassay Marie Chua of the Joint Task Force Unit Ilocos, meanwhile, emphasized the importance of medical mobility in their operations.

“This transport vehicle will greatly support our troop welfare and humanitarian missions, especially during calamities,” he said.

Since the program’s launch last February, PAGCOR has already donated 35 PTVs to LGUs, hospitals and frontline agencies to help ensure timely and safe medical transport across the country.

Aside from PAGCOR, the Office of the President and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office are also distributing PTVs to local government units nationwide.