Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte | August 1, 2025 — In a landmark healthcare initiative for Mindanao, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. led the ceremonial turnover of 106 Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) to local government units (LGUs) across Region IX and Lanao del Sur, held in Dipolog City on Friday.
The initiative, under the Medical Transport Vehicle Donation Program (MTVDP) of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), aims to boost emergency medical services in underserved areas. Since June 2022, the PCSO has distributed 1,067 ambulances nationwide—moving closer to the administration’s goal of providing one PTV for each of the country’s 1,452 municipalities and cities by the end of 2025.
“Masaya po akong ipabatid sa inyo na malapit na nating makamit ang ating layon na mabigyan ng isang PTV ang bawat munisipalidad ng bansa bago matapos ang 2025. Magtutuloy-tuloy po ito upang mas mapabuti pa ang healthcare system ng bansa,” said President Marcos during the event.
The President highlighted the vehicles’ importance in reaching remote areas where medical services remain limited. “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, ang paglilingkod ay hindi po pinaghihintay. Ang paglilingkod po ay pumupunta sa nangangailangan,” he added.
MinDA Applauds Lifesaving Healthcare Effort
The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), through its Chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno, praised the President’s efforts, aligning the PTV distribution with its Building a Better Mindanao agenda—focused on inclusive growth and sustainable regional development.
“The President’s concrete actions reflect a strong resolve to address healthcare gaps in Mindanao. These vehicles are more than ambulances—they are lifelines for our people,” Magno said.
Distribution Breakdown
The 106 vehicles were distributed as follows:
- Zamboanga del Sur (including Zamboanga City and Isabela City of Basilan): 28 units
- Zamboanga del Norte: 27 units
- Zamboanga Sibugay: 17 units
- Lanao del Sur: 34 units
Local officials and health representatives from recipient LGUs personally received the vehicles during the ceremony.
Equipped for Emergencies
Each PTV is fully equipped with essential tools such as a stretcher, oxygen tank, wheelchair, first aid kit, blood pressure monitor, and medicine cabinet—allowing for safe and efficient patient transport, especially in rural areas with limited access to medical facilities.
Lanao del Sur Officials Thankful
Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal “Bombit” Alonto Adiong Jr., who joined the ceremony, expressed deep gratitude for the allocation of resources to their province.
“These vehicles will significantly reduce response time during emergencies and will save countless lives. We are thankful for this support from the national government,” Adiong said.
As the Marcos administration continues to roll out reforms and programs aimed at health equity, the deployment of these PTVs is seen as a vital component in building a stronger and more inclusive healthcare system across Mindanao and beyond.