LOCAL chief executives from Cotabato province during the ceremonial turnover of PTVs or ambulances. (Provincial Government of Cotabato)
KIDAPAWAN CITY – The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) distributed 158 patient transport vehicles (PTVs) for 12 provinces in Mindanao at the Cotabato provincial capitol ground in Barangay Amas here on Friday, Oct. 24.
PCSO Assistant General Manager Liza Gabuyo, who led the distribution, said the vehicles are more than just machines on wheels but are also symbols of solidarity.
Gabuyo said the distribution of PTVs also marks the 91 years of service of PCSO.
“We are reminded that charity is not about grand gestures but also about consistency, sincerity, and heart,” the PCSO official said.
Cotabato Gov. Emmylou "Lala" Taliño-Mendoza emphasized that the PTVs play an important role in delivering health services in communities.
Nineteen of the PTVs were given to Cotabato province, enough for the 17 towns of the province and this city.
The rest were distributed to different municipalities in Region 9, Region 11, Region 12, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Each emergency vehicle costs P2.3 million.
Every unit is equipped with a stretcher, wheel chair, medical kit, oxygen tank, blood pressure monitor, and medicine cabinet.