BUTUAN City — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. today, Oct. 24, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and emergency response as he led the ceremonial turnover of 71 brand-new ambulances from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to local government units (LGUs) across the Caraga Region.
The event took place at the Butuan Sports Complex in Libertad, Butuan City, joined by Special Assistant to the President Antonio ‘Anton’ Lagdameo Jr. and PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles.
The turnover forms part of PCSO’s ongoing Patient Transport Vehicle (PTV) Program, designed to enhance medical mobility and ensure timely emergency care, particularly in remote and underserved communities.
President Marcos said the distribution of ambulances demonstrates the government’s commitment to make essential services more accessible.
“This initiative ensures that no Filipino is left behind when it comes to emergency response and medical assistance,” Marcos said.
He said the government is bringing its services closer to the people, especially in areas where healthcare facilities remain limited.
Lagdameo lauded PCSO for its continued support of the administration’s health initiatives, calling the program a reflection of collaborative governance.
“This is a whole-of-government effort to promote public welfare and compassion in governance,” Lagdameo said.
Provincial and city officials from Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental, Butuan City, and Bonifacio, Misamis Occidental received the vehicle keys during the ceremony.
Robles said the PCSO has distributed hundreds of ambulances nationwide under the PTV Program, helping bolster local disaster response and improving patient transport capabilities in hospitals and rural health units.
“Every ambulance we turn over means lives can be saved faster. That’s the heart of our mission at PCSO,” Robles said.
