TUBOD, Lanao del Norte — In a significant step toward improving healthcare accessibility, the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte turned over 17 Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) to various municipalities during a ceremonial event at the Provincial Capitol in Pigcarangan on December 27, 2024. Local government officials, community representatives, and Barangay SGLG Awardees, including representatives from Barangay Napo and Barangay Robocon in Linamon, attended the occasion.
The PTVs are part of the province’s flagship Kabarangayan Sigurado Program, designed to address the healthcare challenges faced by remote and underserved communities. By providing reliable transportation, the program ensures patients can be swiftly and safely transferred to medical facilities, even in areas where access has historically been difficult.
Governor Imelda “Angging” Quibranza-Dimaporo led the event, emphasizing the vital role of these vehicles in saving lives and delivering essential healthcare services. Addressing the recipients, Governor Angging reminded them of the vehicles’ intended purpose: “Ang akong hangyo kaninyo nga inyo kining ampingan sama sa inyong kaugalingong sakyanan, ug sa maka-usa pa, akong ipahinumdom nga dili kini gamit pangpamilya, kundili gamit para sa katawhan,” she said. (“I urge you to take care of these vehicles as if they were your own and to remember that these are not for personal use but for the benefit of the community.”)
The turnover underscores the provincial government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare services and infrastructure. By deploying the PTVs across municipalities, the province aims to reduce response times during emergencies and improve overall access to healthcare, particularly in hard-to-reach barangays.
Beyond the provision of vehicles, the initiative reflects the collaborative efforts between local government units (LGUs) and the provincial administration to prioritize public health and well-being. Governor Angging highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring that these resources are used effectively and sustainably.
The event marked another milestone in the provincial government’s efforts to enhance the quality of life for its residents. With the Kabarangayan Sigurado Program at the forefront, Lanao del Norte continues to make strides toward equitable healthcare access for all.