PBBM leads turnover of patient transport vehicles for Agusan Norte
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Agusanons can now look forward to faster and more efficient medical response, especially in far-flung communities, following the turnover of patient transport vehicles (PTVs) from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to the local government units (LGUs) of Agusan del Norte.
President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr. personally led the distribution of 71 PTV units to LGUs across the Caraga Region, as well as in Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental, and Misamis Occidental, during a turnover ceremony on Oct. 24 at the Butuan City Sports Complex in Barangay Libertad, this city.
“Ito ang patuloy na programa ng PCSO, ang perang kinikita ng ahensya ay gagamitin para matulungan ang mga Pilipino. Sisiguruhin natin na bawat piso ay may balik na serbisyo sa taong-bayan,” President Marcos said, reaffirming the PCSO’s commitment to bring accessible health care closer to the people.
The President emphasized that the vehicles were specifically designed to suit local conditions and community needs, ensuring that even the most remote barangays can respond effectively to emergencies.
“Ang disenyo ng mga sasakyan ay naaayon sa ating mga pangangailangan dito sa Pilipinas, madaling i-maintain at may kumpletong pangunahing kagamitan sa loob,” he added.
Among the beneficiaries were 10 municipalities and the provincial government of Agusan del Norte, all receiving vehicles equipped with stretchers, oxygen tanks, wheelchairs, first aid kits, and blood pressure monitors—tools that will directly enhance the province’s emergency and health services.
Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante thanked President Marcos and the PCSO, saying the vehicles will greatly improve the delivery of health services in Agusan del Norte.
“The donation of these PTVs does not only bridge distance, but becomes the vital connection between medical emergency and medical response; between desperation and hope,” Gov. Amante said.
She also reminded local officials to use the vehicles responsibly and with compassion in line with the Bagong Pilipinas vision. “Let us all unite and support Bagong Pilipinas.”
Meanwhile, Mayor Franklin Lim of Santiago, Agusan del Norte, and president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP)-Agusan del Norte Chapter, thanked the President for the assistance, saying it will bring direct and tangible benefits to the Agusanons.
“This initiative ensures that every Agusanon, no matter how far they live, can have access to emergency medical care,” Mayor Lim said.
Through these PTVs, the people of Agusan del Norte are now assured of quicker emergency response, improved patient mobility, and stronger local health services, reflecting the administration’s continuing effort to uplift the lives of Filipinos by empowering LGUs and prioritizing healthcare at the community level. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
