The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) on Wednesday turned over nine patient transport vehicles (PTVs) to various local government units (LGUs) to boost healthcare delivery in remote and disaster-affected areas.

In a statement, PAGCOR said beneficiaries include the municipalities of Mataasnakahoy in Batangas; Paniqui in Tarlac; Bolinao in Pangasinan; Norzagaray in Bulacan; and Bangui, Carasi, Dumalneg, Pagudpud, and Adams in Ilocos Norte.

PAGCOR Chairperson and CEO Alejandro Tengco said the initiative is part of the agency’s commitment to bring critical services closer to Filipinos in need as ordered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“Through these vehicles, we help ensure that people living in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas can receive timely medical care,” Tengco said.

The donation comes in the wake of Super Typhoon Nando, (international name Ragasa) which heavily battered Ilocos Norte, leaving widespread flooding, prolonged power outages, and displaced families.

Each PTV unit is fitted with a GPS navigation system, stretcher, medical oxygen, wheelchair, and first aid kit to ensure safe and efficient patient transfer.

Since February, PAGCOR has distributed 60 PTVs to LGUs, public hospitals, frontline agencies, and military units nationwide. (PNA)