The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) distributes patient transport vehicles (PTVs) to all 17 Metro Manila local government units aimed at strengthening their local emergency medical response capacities in the National Capital Region.

PCSO General Manager Mel Robles, in a ceremony held during the Metro Manila Council (MMC) meeting, handed over the keys of the PTVs to several local chief executives present.

It is in fulfilment of the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to equip all cities, provinces, and municipalities with PTVs under the Medical Transport Vehicular Donation Program (MTVDP), a key government strategy to strengthen universal access to emergency medical care.

"Metro Manila is the heart of our nation, home to millions of Filipinos. And while we have major hospitals and healthcare facilities here, we also know that traffic, distance, and accessibility remain real challenges. These Patient Transport Vehicles will help bridge that gap, ensuring that when emergencies happen, help can arrive quickly," said Robles, adding that  "100% of PTVs have been distributed, all LGUs nationwide are now equipped with these lifesaving vehicles."

On the other hand, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Atty. Don Artes expressed gratitude to the President and the PCSO for the support extended to the Metro Manila LGUs, citing that the distributed PTVs are a significant boost to the LGUs' local health care system. 

He said the life-saving PTV plays a crucial role in addressing medical emergencies, disaster response, and transportation needs within their respective localities, which is part of the administration's broader goal of building Bagong Pilipinas, where quality healthcare is accessible, efficient, and closer to the Filipinos.

MMC president and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora in behalf of the mayors also extended appreciation to the PCSO for the lifesaving vehicles they received.

The distribution also underscores PCSO's continuing efforts to expand universal access to responsive, timely medical transport services while supporting local governments through Mandatory Contribution – LGU Lotto-Share Checks. 

Each vehicle is equipped with a stretcher, oxygen tank, wheelchair, first-aid kit, blood pressure monitor, and medicine cabinet, enabling safe and efficient patient transport to health facilities. 

The LGUs that received the PTVs are Las Pinas, Caloocan, Malabon, Makati, Mandaluyong, Manila, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon City, Taguig, San Juan, Valenzuela, and Pateros.

Aside from the PTVs, PCSO also turned over Mandatory Contribution – LGU Lotto-Share Checks to 12 Metro Manila LGUs covering two semesters: July to December 2024 and January to June 2025. These checks represent the LGUs’ shares from the sale of lotto tickets within their respective jurisdictions.

"This lotto-share represents PCSO's commitment to support local governance. These funds are yours to use for health programs, disaster response, education, and other community services that matter most to your constituents," said Robles.

The allocation of these shares is mandated under Executive Order No. 357-A, which requires the equitable distribution of a portion of PCSO’s lotto revenues to LGUs nationwide.