To fulfill the commitment to strengthen the healthcare system and improve emergency response nationwide, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is set to lead the distribution of patient transport vehicles (PTVs) to various provinces across the country this week.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro announced on Tuesday that the initiative is part of the President’s promise to provide every local government unit (LGU) with reliable and fully equipped medical transport.

“Ang inisyatibang ito ay pagpapatatag sa pangako ng pamahalaan na paunlarin pa ang healthcare accessibility at pabilisin ang emergency response sa buong bansa,” Castro said.

Castro said the distribution will be carried out in partnership with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

President Marcos has already distributed 567 PTVs to different LGUs since January 2025.

An additional 985 units are scheduled for deployment within the year, bringing the total to 1,552 PTVs.

President Marcos earlier said several LGUs will receive two units since the total number of LGUs is only 1,493.

The President said that if every LGU were to get one PTV this year, it would mark the first time in Philippine history that every municipality would be equipped with an emergency medical vehicle within three years.

A budget of PhP2.2 billion was previously approved by the President for the distribution of 1,000 PTVs, which are equipped with essential medical tools, including a stretcher, oxygen tank, blood pressure monitor, and other supplies to ensure the safe and timely transport of patients. | PND