PCSO deploys PTVs as Mayon unrest affects over 100,000 in Bicol
By Jel Santos
(PHOTO: PCSO)
With over 100,000 people affected by Mayon’s volcanic activity and ashfall in the Bicol Region, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has deployed additional patient transport vehicles (PTVs) to aid emergency response efforts in Albay and Catanduanes.
IPCSO General Manager Melquiades “Mel” Robles said the deployment of the PTVs seeks to strengthen local government capacity in “providing immediate medical transport and emergency services.”
He underscored the need for accessible and reliable medical transport of patients by first responders during emergencies, especially in the event of large-scale disasters.
Moreover, he said that the assistance rollout was aligned with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s “whole-of-government response to affected communities.”
Along with PCSO representatives, Albay Governor Noel E. Rosal and Catanduanes Governor Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza witnessed the turnover of the PTV in Albay, who welcomed the support from the agency.
(PHOTO: PCSO)
Following the unit delivery to Albay, the agency said it is also scheduled to do a separate turnover of a PTV unit to Catanduanes as part of its assistance rollout to those affected by Mayon’s unrest in the region.
The PCSO had previously donated a PTV to the provincial government of Albay in December 2025 as part of the agency’s Medical Transport Vehicle Donation Program.
“The PCSO will continue to assist local government units nationwide as part of its disaster response efforts,” the agency stated.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), Mayon volcano has been under Alert Level 3, or intensified unrest, since January 6.
A total of 102, 406 individuals across 87 barangays have been affected by Mayon’s recent volcanic activity, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported on Monday, May 4.