The provincial government of Bulacan officially turned over the first-ever sea ambulance in Central Luzon to the Felix T. Reyes (FTR) Extension Hospital in Barangay Pamarawan, City of Malolos during rites at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium on Monday, Jan. 16.
Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando said the new sea ambulance will be pivotal in addressing medical emergency situations in the coastal areas.
“Felix T. Reyes Extension Hospital is the only hospital in the coastal areas of the City of Malolos managed by the Provincial Government of Bulacan (PGB) and it is essential that the said hospital is equipped with the necessary medical equipment and facilities to further save and cure ailing Bulakenyos,” Fernando said.
Emergency medical assistance and services of the sea ambulance will be available 24/7 to the residents of Barangay Pamarawan and its nearby barangays, including Caliligawan, Namayan, Masile, Babatnin, Lantad, Masukol, and Pugad.
The ambulance boat costs around P8 million and has one medical bed, portable stretcher, a cabinet, and other fundamentals. It measures 32 feet in length, eight feet molded beam, 3.11 feet depth, 20-30 knots speed, and can carry six to eight persons. It was funded by the provincial government of Bulacan.
Dr. Alfredo B. Agmata, Jr., officer-in-charge of FTR Extension Hospital, thanked Fernando for his unwavering support, including his effort to make the extension hospital a district hospital.