President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday led the ceremonial turnover of 91 ambulances, underscoring the government’s continuing commitment to improving access to healthcare services across the country.
The President emphasized the crucial role of ambulance in ensuring timely medical attention, particularly during emergencies.
In a ceremony held in Cagayan de Oro City, President Marcos turned over 85 ambulances or Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) for Northern Mindanao and six PTVs for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
He expressed optimism that all local government units nationwide will receive at least one PTV within the next three years.
“Kapag nangyari ito, sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, masasabi natin 100 percent coverage na lahat ng munisipalidad sa loob lamang ng tatlong taon. Ito’y para sa akin isang tagumpay na hindi pa nagagawa sa ating kasaysayan,” the President said.
The PTV distribution is part of the Medical Transport Vehicle Donation Program of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), President Marcos said.
The President said 570 PTVs have been distributed nationwide (excluding the National Capital Region) since June 2022, with an additional 291 units delivered in 2024.
“Ikinagagalak kong makasama kayo ngayong araw para sa isang napakahalagang layunin—ang paghahatid sa inyo, kasama na ang mga kababayan natin sa Hilagang Mindanao at BARMM, ng mga tinatawag nating Patient Transport Vehicles o PTVs,” President Marcos said.
“Batid naman nating lahat na kapag kalusugan ang pinag-uusapan, ang bawat segundo ay mahalaga. Kaya ang tunay na hamon dito ay kung papaano tayo makarating kaagad sa ospital o kung anong health facility,” he added.
Drawing from his experience as a former local government official, President Marcos acknowledged the logistical challenges faced by remote communities. He recalled instances where ambulances could not reach patients due to the remoteness of an area and the ruggedness of the terrain.
“Kaya naisip namin, hindi pala praktikal ang mga ganyang klaseng PTV lalo na’t nais natin na matulungan ang mga nangangailangan lalo na ‘yung mga nasa malalayo,” he said.
The President said with the previous size and design of the PTVs, there were instances that they couldn’t reach the patient because the roads were too narrow. He noted that patients had to be carried on tricycles just to get past the tight spots before they could be loaded into the ambulance.
The President said the new PTVs were designed specifically to navigate even the most challenging routes in far-flung barangays.
President Marcos urged local government units to take good care of the vehicles entrusted to them.
He also honored the strength and perseverance of the people of Northern Mindanao and BARMM, recognizing their courage in the face of systemic challenges.
“Alam ninyo kung paano nagkulang noon ang sistemang dapat sana ay naging sandigan ninyo sa mas maayos na buhay. Ngunit, ipinakita ninyo sa amin kung papaano bumangon. Kailanman, hindi kayo sumuko,” he said.
The President dedicated the PTVs not just to patients but also to the medical frontliners, including doctors, nurses, drivers, and volunteers.
“Ito po ay para rin sa inyo. Kayo ang mga Bagong Pilipino na may disiplina, may kahusayan, at pagmamahal sa bayan,” he said.
“Nawa’y sa bawat paglakbay ng mga PTVs na ito, makapag-abot tayo ng pag-asa at tulong—anumang oras, saang sulok man ng bansa.” | PND
