By Jel Santos
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) donated 14 ambulances to several local government units (LGUs) and government agencies to help in the battle against coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
PCSO General Manager Royina Marzan-Garma said the agency’s donation was under its Patient Transport Vehicle Donation Program.
“PCSO is committed in helping during these trying times. We will do everything to help in the fight against COVID-19,” she said. “We are one with the national government in this battle. Together we will win as one.”
PCSO’s Patient Transport Vehicle Donation Program seeks to support LGUs, agencies, and medical facilities in the country.
According to the agency, it spent a total of P22,190,882 to purchase the 14 ambulances.
Garma said ambulances were given to the municipalities of Pura, Tarlac; Pamplona, Cagayan; Sta. Rita, Pampanga; Peñaranda, Nueva Ecija;
Bulakan, Bulacan; Candaba, Pampanga; Bongabon, Nueva Ecija; and to Baguio City, Benguet.
The other ambulances were donated to the Bureau of Fire Protection-NCR's Navotas Fire Station and Parañaque Fire Station; Philippine National Police (PNP) Eastern Police District, Pasig City; Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center, Manila; Sta. Ana Hospital, Manila; and the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group, Quezon City.
Garma earlier said the agency provided P447 million financial assistance to 81 government hospitals across the country.
In April, PCSO also transferred P420 million to PhilHealth to help shoulder the medical expenses of COVID-19 patients.