More communities in the Visayas are set to benefit from improved access to medical transport after the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) turned over 18 Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) to 10 provinces during a ceremony held in Cebu City.

The turnover supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s healthcare agenda of bringing quality medical services closer to Filipinos, particularly in areas where access to hospitals and health facilities remains a challenge.

Under PCSO’s Medical Transport Vehicle Donation Program, the PTVs were distributed to the provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Samar, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.

The 18 units are intended to help local government units safely and efficiently transport patients, especially those in remote and underserved communities, to healthcare facilities.

With the latest turnover, PCSO has now distributed a total of 1,731 Patient Transport Vehicles to provinces, cities, municipalities, and government hospitals nationwide.

PCSO general manager Melquiades A. Robles led the ceremonial turnover, joined by beneficiary governors and local officials.

Robles said the donation reflects PCSO’s continuing commitment to convert revenues from its gaming operations into programs that directly benefit the public.

“At PCSO, we remain steadfast in our commitment to serve and fully support President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s agenda of bringing essential services closer to the Filipino people, because helping them is both our mandate and our responsibility,” Robles said. “The Patient Transport Vehicles that we are turning over will help bring healthcare services closer to those who need them most, especially those living in remote and underserved communities.”

He added that the true impact of PCSO programs is felt when assistance reaches communities at critical moments.

“When patients are brought to the hospital on time, when communities receive better services, or when families are given hope in times of need, we see the true value of our shared efforts,” he said.

Aside from the PTV turnover, PCSO also facilitated the ceremonial release of Lotto LGU shares for July to December 2025 to selected Visayas local government units.