The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has turned over 10 patient transport vehicles (PTVs) worth a total of PHP20 million to nine local government units (LGUs) and one state university to strengthen emergency medical services.

In a news release on Monday, PAGCOR chairperson and chief executive officer Alejandro Tengco said the initiative is part of the agency’s efforts to improve healthcare delivery and to enhance access to medical services, especially in geographically-isolated communities.

“We want to ensure that even remote areas have the means to respond to medical emergencies. This is part of PAGCOR’s commitment to reach communities that need government support the most,” he said.

Among the recipients were six towns in Isabela province, namely Palanan, Quezon, San Isidro, Cabagan, San Mariano, and San Pablo, along with Tanauan in Batangas, Balabac in Palawan, Parañaque City, and Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) in Ilocos Norte.

PAGCOR said each vehicle is fitted with essential life-saving equipment, including a stretcher, oxygen tank, wheelchair, first aid kit, a wheelchair, and a Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation system.

Cabagan, Isabela Mayor Christopher Mamauag said the ambulance would make a huge difference for residents, many of whom need to travel several hours to reach a tertiary hospital.

“Malaking tulong po ito at gagamitin namin ito ng wasto (This is a great help and we will use it properly),” he said.

“Kami po ay nagpapasalamat kay President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., at sa PAGCOR, sa pamumuno ni Chairman Alejandro Tengco, sa pagpapaunlak sa aming kahilingan na magkaroon ng patient transport vehicle para sa aming mga kababayan sa bayan ng Cabagan (We are grateful to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and PAGCOR, under the leadership of Chairman Alejandro Tengco, for granting our request to have a patient transport vehicle for our countrymen in the town of Cabagan).”

PAGCOR said supporting public health initiatives remains a top priority for the agency, highlighting its commitment to channeling gaming revenues to projects that would uplift communities while strengthening local services.

“Yan po ang hangad ng PAGCOR. Salamat sa pagkakataong makatulong at makapaglingkod sa inyo (That is PAGCOR’s goal. Thank you for the opportunity to help and serve you),” Tengco told recipients during the recent turnover event at its Corporate Office in Pasay City. (PNA)