Dinagat Islands’ LGUs receive PTVs from PCSO, thank PBBM
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has fulfilled promise on inclusive improvement of healthcare access across the country as all local government units in the Province of Dinagat Islands are among the recipients of the 71 units of patient transport vehicles (PTVs), mayors of the province have said.
The municipal mayors from Basilisa, Cagdianao, Dinagat, Libjo, Loreto, San Jose and Tubajon, all in Dinagat Islands, signed the Deed of Donation and each received one unit of the PTV from PCSO during the ceremonial turnover held today, October 24, in Butuan City.
Under the PCSO’s program on Medical Transport Vehicle Donation, this marked as a significant milestone in public health service and proof to the administration’s strong commitment toward the delivery of basic health services, especially in emergency situations where timeliness of response is vital.
President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr. personally led the ceremonial turnover of the PTVs to the local chief executives, including other provinces in Caraga region and in Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental and Misamis Occidental.
President Marcos highlighted the inclusive implementation of the program and giving priority to local government units that ever since have not received this type of vehicle, saying, “Meron tayong mga LGU dito na sa ngayon ay first timer, eka nga ngayon lang nagkaroon ng ganitong klaseng vehicle [PTVs]. At sila yong inuna namin.”
Accordingly, 76 percent of LGUs nationwide have already received their PTVs that were conveniently delivered by PCSO to the recipient LGUs.
PCSO General Manager Melquiades A. Robles said, “Previously, we asked the LGUs for counterpart in the transport and delivery of the PTVs, but now the PCSO has taken care of it and delivered the units closer to the LGU and removing the burden and cost on freight.”
He also disclosed that PCSO is targeting a 100-percent distribution of all the PTVs by the end of this year. “We hope that we will be able to provide all the LGUs with PTV which is a reflection of PBBM’s vision for improved healthcare services.”
Libjo Mayor Melody L. Compasivo thanked the President and the PCSO for the new vehicle that will help strengthen local health services and emergency response for communities.
“I thank the President and PCSO for this new vehicle because this will make healthcare services more efficient for the Libjoanons,” Mayor Compasivo said. “Referral and transport of patients will be faster with this new PTV.”
For Loreto Mayor Doandre Bill A. Ladaga, being in the farthest place of the island province, the new PTV will greatly support emergency response and patient transport, ensuring faster and safer medical assistance even for the most remote communities.
The program on Medical Transport Vehicle Donation embodies PCSO’s commitment to its “Panata sa Bayan, Biyaya sa Mamamayan”—a pledge for compassion and to serve the Filipinos, especially those in far-flung and underserved communities. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands)
