

Almost 400 patient transport vehicles (PTVs) or ambulances were turned over to various local governments in Luzon during a ceremony held at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila on Wednesday, July 9.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. presided over the turnover ceremony of 387 PTVs, which were distributed among Regions I (Ilocos), II (Cagayan Valley), IV-A (CALABARZON), IV-B (MIMAROPA), V (Bicol), and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
Marcos said his administration aims to provide PTVs to all cities and municipalities in the country before the year ends.
“Kayo pang hindi pa nabigyan ay magkakaroon din. At asahan niyo, ang pangako sa’kin, ang instruction ko kay GM Mel Robles, ay sabi ko sa kanya, kailangan by the end of the year, 2025, masabi natin na lahat na ng cities and municipalities at nabigyan na natin nitong patient transport vehicle,” the President assured.
The PTVs are a donation from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), who have so far given 680 of these in total. In his speech, General Manager Melquiades “Mel” Robles said that all municipalities are guaranteed PTVs, regardless of their constituents’ class and political leanings.
“Itong taon na ito, garantisado po, mabibigyan po natin ang lahat ng munisipiyo. Anuman pong class: one to six, hindi po magm-matter ‘yan. Kakampi, hindi masyadong kakampi, kung ano mang kulay po, hindi po kami nagtatangi. ‘Yan po ang bilin ng Pangulo: huwag pulitikahin ang healthcare,” he declared.
Each ambulance is equipped with a stretcher, oxygen tank, wheelchair, and a blood pressure monitor—designed for the swift and safe transport of patients.