BBM completes nationwide rollout of patient transport vehicles

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday completed the nationwide distribution of patient transport vehicles (PTVs) after leading the turnover of 34 units to local government units (LGUs) in Northern and Central Luzon and the Cordillera Administrative Region.

The ceremonial turnover at the Pampanga Capitol marked the completion of the government’s provincial rollout of emergency medical transport vehicles.

“We have now completed 100-percent distribution of PTVs to every province, to every city, to every municipality in the Philippines,” the President said.

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) distributed 164 medical transport vehicles to all 82 provinces, completing the provincial component of the program. Including last year’s rollout to cities and municipalities, a total of 1,830 patient transport vehicles have now been delivered nationwide.

Each vehicle is equipped with a GPS navigation system, ambulance stretcher, medical oxygen, wheelchair and a complete first-aid kit to ensure the safe transport of patients during emergencies.

During the event, Marcos also launched the distribution of fire trucks under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), noting that many municipalities still lack adequate firefighting equipment or continue to rely on aging units.

PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles said the completion of the nationwide rollout fulfills President Marcos’ directive to make emergency medical services more accessible, particularly in underserved and remote communities.

“This mission is guided by the vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. that no Filipino, regardless of location or circumstance, should be left without access to emergency medical care,” Robles said.

Aside from the patient transport vehicle program, the PCSO continues to provide medical assistance to indigent patients and funding support for public hospitals and other healthcare facilities across the country.