BUTUAN CITY — The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) turned over 44 Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) to local government units across Mindanao on July 7, 2026, at the Libertad Sports Complex in Butuan City. The turnover ceremony, held under the PCSO's Medical Transport Vehicle Donation Program, aims to strengthen patient mobility, emergency medical response, and access to hospitals and healthcare facilities in underserved communities. The event coincided with the First Lady's "Lab for All" caravan, transforming the sports complex into a center of integrated healthcare and government services for thousands of Caraganons.
Strengthening Emergency Response Across Mindanao
The 44 vehicles were distributed to beneficiary LGUs from 20 provinces across Mindanao, including Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Basilan, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental, Dinagat Islands, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Sulu, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay. The municipalities of Catarman, Guinsiliban, Mahinog, Mambajao, and Sagay in Camiguin also received units. PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles emphasized that the vehicles are designed to navigate rough roads and reach remote communities that regular ambulances often cannot access.
A Milestone in Healthcare Accessibility
The First Lady noted that the nationwide distribution of PTVs has already reached all cities and municipalities in the country, with over 2,000 ambulances distributed, a feat that has never been achieved before in Philippine history. The vehicles are expected to support local health programs, disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and rehabilitation efforts. Prior to the Butuan turnover, PCSO also distributed 13 PTVs to seven provinces affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on June 8, 2026.
