To help strengthen healthcare delivery in underserved and remote communities, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) turned over on Wednesday, June 10, Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) worth Php16.20 million to eight local government units (LGUs) in Luzon.

The beneficiary LGUs include Rosario and Cuenca in Batangas; San Mateo in Isabela; Pola in Oriental Mindoro; and the municipalities of Dumaran, Brooke’s Point, Magsaysay, and Coron in Palawan.

Officials and representatives from the recipient LGUs came to the PAGCOR Corporate Office in Pasay City to receive the PTVs.

Each vehicle is equipped with essential emergency medical features including a GPS navigation system, ambulance stretcher, oxygen supply, wheelchair, and first aid kit.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said the PTVs are intended to enhance the capacity of local health units to respond swiftly to medical emergencies, particularly in areas with limited access to hospitals and specialized care.

“Our PTV donation program is part of PAGCOR’s commitment to help LGUs build more responsive and resilient healthcare systems,” he said.

“Through these vehicles, we help ensure that people living in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas can receive timely medical care.”

LGU representatives expressed their gratitude to PAGCOR and noted that the PTVs will significantly strengthen their health response systems. In Palawan, where health facilities are often hours away from rural communities, the new vehicles are expected to help save lives.

“Malaking tulong po ito lalo na sa aming lugar kung saan mahigit anim na oras ang biyahe papunta sa Puerto Princesa City para maihatid namin ang aming mga kababayan na nangangailangan ng specialized care,” said Jose Earl Genobili, Municipal Health Officer of Dumaran, Palawan.