PBBM health agenda reaches communities as Surigao Sur receives 6 ambulances
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — In line with the “Bagong Pilipinas” governance agenda and the directive of the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to bring essential government services closer to the people, the province of Surigao del Sur has strengthened its healthcare and emergency response capability through the turnover of six brand new ambulances funded under the Local Government’s Local Government Support Fund–Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (LGSF-FALGU).
The initiative reflected the national government’s continuing commitment to improving public healthcare services, especially in geographically isolated and underserved communities, for responsive and people-centered governance.
The newly acquired ambulances were distributed to province-operated hospitals, namely: Lingig Community Hospital, Bislig District Hospital, Marihatag District Hospital, San Miguel Community Hospital, Cortes Municipal Hospital, and Madrid District Hospital.
Surigao del Sur Acting Governor Manuel O. Alameda emphasized that the additional ambulance units could bring faster, more efficient healthcare services closer to Surigaonons, particularly residents living in remote communities where immediate medical response is critical. “More than vehicles, these ambulances symbolized hope, improved access, and our unwavering commitment to quality healthcare for every Surigaonon.”
The provincial government also reaffirmed its commitment to sustain healthcare development programs aligned with the administration’s agenda of inclusive growth, improved public service delivery, and strengthened social protection programs for Filipino communities.
“Padayon kita sa pagserbisyo alang sa kaayuhan sa kinatibuk-an (We continue to serve everyone),” the acting governor said, reaffirming the province’s continuing commitment to public welfare and quality healthcare service for all.
Meanwhile, the recipient facilities welcomed the arrival of their new ambulance units as a significant milestone in strengthening local healthcare delivery and emergency response operations.
Beneficiary hospitals said the additional ambulance units would significantly improve patient transport services and strengthen emergency medical response for residents within their municipalities/cities and nearby communities.
Under the supervision of Doctor Jorvy, Palattao, Madrid District Hospital reaffirmed its commitment to delivering accessible, responsive, and quality healthcare services to the public as the hospital management thanked the provincial government of Surigao del Sur and the national government for its continued support to healthcare institutions across the province.
“This initiative reflects a shared vision of accessible, responsive, and quality healthcare for every Surigaonon,” the hospital official stated, while also recognizing the dedication and hard work of healthcare workers serving in the facility.
The implementation of the LGSF-FALGU-funded ambulance project demonstrated the strengthened collaboration between the national and local government units to enhance health systems, improve emergency preparedness, and ensure equitable access to medical services.
With the deployment of the six ambulance units, the people of Surigao del Sur are expected to benefit from faster emergency response, safer patient transport, and improved access to life-saving medical services, particularly in far-flung and vulnerable communities. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur/ Photo courtesy of PGO)
