The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) successfully proceeded with the turnover of 82 brand-new Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) to various Local Government Units (LGUs) in the Negros Island Region (NIR) and Western Visayas on Tuesday, November 25, as the weather improved following the impact of Typhoon Verbena.
This mass turnover marks another significant step in the PCSO’s commitment to strengthening the country’s healthcare delivery system.
The ceremony which was held at the Bacolod City Government Center was led by PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles and Chairperson Felix Reyes where they handed over the symbolic keys of the donated ambulances to the respective mayors, alongside host Mayor Greg Gasataya.
“We’re making it a point that every town, every city will have one PTV. This is where the presence of the government will be felt,” General Manager Robles stated, emphasizing the goal of pervasive government assistance.
Of the 82 beneficiaries, 37 PTVs were allotted to the Negros Island Region (NIR), distributed as follows:
- Negros Occidental (11 LGUs): The cities of Cadiz, San Carlos, Silay, Sipalay, Talisay, and Victorias, and the municipalities of Binalbagan, Calatrava, Moises Padilla, San Enrique, and Toboso.
- Negros Oriental (22 LGUs): The cities of Bais, Bayawan, Canlaon, Dumaguete, Guihulngan, and Tanjay, and the municipalities of Amlan, Bacong, Basay, Bindoy, Dauin, Jimalalud, La Libertad, Manjuyod, Pamplona, Santa Catalina, Siaton, Sibulan, Tayasan, Valencia, Vallehermoso, and Zamboanguita.
- Siquijor (4 LGUs): The municipalities of Enrique Villanueva, Lazi, Maria, and San Juan.
The remaining 45 PTVs were allocated to Western Visayas (Region VI), including:
- Guimaras (1 unit)
- Aklan (7 units)
- Antique (8 units)
- Capiz (9 units)
- Iloilo Province (20 units)
Each PTV is fully equipped with essential medical tools, including a stretcher, oxygen tank, wheelchair, first-aid kit, blood pressure monitor, and medicine cabinet.
