President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. continued to improve healthcare access in underserved communities as he distributed 106 patient transport vehicles (PTVs) to local government units in the Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX) on Friday.

During the turnover ceremony held in Dipolog City’s Sunset Boulevard, President Marcos said he ordered the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to prioritize giving PTVs to lower-income municipalities that lack medical transport, especially for constituents in far-flung areas.

“Hindi namin muna pinarioritize (prioritize) ‘yung malalaking lungsod, the big cities, because usually mayroon na silang mga facilities. Hindi urgent. Iyong mga maliliit ang inuna namin. Inumpisahan natin fourth, fifth, sixth class na municipality. Then slowly we’ll work our way back,” President Marcos said.

President Marcos has ordered PCSO to provide all local government units (LGUs) with a PTV each before the end of the year. PCSO has so far distributed 1,067 PTVs since the start of the Marcos administration in June 2022.

President Marcos said PCSO will continue distributing such vehicles to LGUs based on population size.

“And then, patuloy pa rin ang bigay namin kasi ‘yung ibang bayan malaki naman talaga, kailangan dalawa. So, titingnan na natin, ia-adjust na natin,” the President said.

Unlike most bigger ambulances, the PTVs are suited for narrow streets and unpaved roads, especially in remote areas. The maintenance for the PTVs is easier due to the availability of spare parts.

Each PTV has a stretcher, oxygen tank, blood pressure monitor, and other basic medical tools to ensure safe and timely patient transport.

President Marcos was joined by PCSO officials led by General Manager Mel Robles and LGU officials during the turnover. | PND