PCSO turns over transport vehicles, funds to Visayas LGUs

CEBU, Philippines — The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) last Thursday turned over 18 patient transport vehicles worth ?38.502 million to 10 Visayas provinces and released lotto shares to local government units to help fund programs and services for their constituents.

PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles said the project reflects the agency’s commitment to ensuring that Filipinos have access to timely and reliable medical transportation.

“These vehicles symbolize our continuing commitment to bringing essential healthcare services closer to our communities and ensuring that those in need have access to timely and reliable medical transportation,” he said.

Under the program, the provinces of Bohol, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Samar, Southern Leyte, Siquijor, and Negros Oriental each received two patient transport vehicles, while Cebu and Leyte received one each.

Robles said the initiative demonstrates how revenues generated from PCSO gaming operations are transformed into programs that directly benefit Filipinos.

He noted that the agency’s assistance programs are made possible through the support of millions of lottery players nationwide, enabling PCSO to strengthen public service delivery and extend aid to communities across the country.

Robles added that the agency’s slogan, “PCSO Hindi Uurong sa Pagtulong,” serves as a reminder of its commitment to providing medical assistance, healthcare programs, and support to local government initiatives.

Aside from the turnover of patient transport vehicles, PCSO also distributed lotto shares to participating local government units. Robles said the funds will provide additional resources for projects and initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of residents.

During the ceremony held at Toyota-Mabolo, Cebu City, Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro thanked the PCSO, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and national government partners for the assistance extended to local governments.

Baricuatro said healthcare remains her administration’s top priority, saying that no family should suffer because medical services are inaccessible or located far from their communities.

She described the patient transport vehicle assigned to Cebu as more than just a mode of transportation, calling it a “lifeline” that will help bring patients to hospitals more quickly, especially those living in far-flung areas.

“For a large province like Cebu, where some communities are located far from hospitals and healthcare facilities, every kilometer and every minute can make a difference in saving lives and ensuring timely medical care,” Baricuatro said.

She said the vehicle will provide peace of mind to families and help ensure that healthcare services reach even the most remote communities.

She also highlighted the importance of collaboration between national and local governments, saying the initiative demonstrates how partnerships can translate into meaningful services for the public. (CEBU NEWS)