Recalling his experience as Ilocos Norte governor when large ambulances couldn’t reach far-flung towns, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday underscored the importance of choosing transport vehicles that are not only durable and easy to maintain but also suited for the Philippines’ narrow and remote roads.

President Marcos ensured that the 387 patient transport vehicles (PTVs) turned over to Luzon local government units (LGUs) on Wednesday can operate in any location, including narrow urban streets.

During the turnover ceremony held at the Quirino Grandstand, President Marcos said he and Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso discussed the issue of ambulances being unable to reach the city’s interior areas.

“Kaya pinili namin itong modelong ito na very appropriate na tamang-tama para sa Pilipinas. Hindi lamang dahil nakakapunta kahit saan, kung saan nangangailangan ng transport vehicle,” the President said.

“Ngunit pati na iyong modelo na ito madaling i-maintain, laging may piyesa. Kahit sino na medyo marunong-runong na mekaniko, kaya nilang ayusin kung magkaproblema,” the President added.

President Marcos related that when he was Ilocos Norte governor, donors from the United States helped buy ambulances for the province.

“Very grateful naman kami dahil napakaganda at napakamahal. Hindi kayang bilhin ng probinsiya. Ngunit noong nagkaroon ng emergency, eh ‘yung mga malalaki na ‘yun ay hindi nababagay lalo na doon sa mga maliliit na bayan kung saan maliit lang ang daan,” the President said.

President Marcos led the turnover of 387 PTVs to LGUs in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, and the Cordillera Administrative Region.

“Aasahan ko na ‘pag turn over namin sa ating mga LGU, kayo na munang bahala. Alagaan ninyo nang mabuti ito. Tatagal ito nang matagal basta alagaan natin nang mabuti. Kahit gamit na gamit ‘yan,” the President said. | PND