Photo credit: PCO

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged local government units (LGUs) to keep the ambulances given to them in top shape so they can serve as many Filipinos as possible. Speaking at a ceremony on Wednesday, where 90 ambulances were handed over at Manila’s Quirino Grandstand, the President shared his hopes for these new vehicles to make a lasting impact.

“I’m pleased that we’re able to continue this program, and I assure you it will carry on. But my one request to our LGU heads is this: take care of these ambulances, keep them in service for a long time,” Marcos said during the event, underscoring his call for stewardship among LGUs.

The 90 new ambulances, officially referred to as patient transport vehicles (PTVs), will be distributed among provinces in need, including Pangasinan, Rizal, Negros Oriental, Cebu, Bohol, and Northern Samar. Cebu and Bohol will receive the bulk, with 41 and 43 units respectively.

This initiative, spearheaded by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), falls under the Medical Transport Vehicle Donation Program (MTVDP). The program’s goal? To ensure that underserved communities and geographically isolated areas can rely on proper medical transport in times of crisis. Beyond LGUs, the PCSO also supports hospitals and organizations, especially in communities that often have the least access to healthcare resources.

With 564 beneficiaries already receiving these vital vehicles, the program stands as a key step towards enhancing the country’s healthcare capabilities. By urging LGUs to maintain the vehicles well, President Marcos is hoping this fleet will become a long-term asset in delivering timely healthcare, especially to communities in need.