Eight municipalities across Luzon and Palawan receive fully equipped emergency units
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has donated eight Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) worth PHP 16.2 million (approx. $276,000) to underserved municipalities in Luzon and Palawan.
Expanding Emergency Access in Hard-to-Reach Areas
Announced on June 10, 2025, the donation is part of PAGCOR’s ongoing commitment to support rural health infrastructure. The PTV recipients include:
Rosario and Cuenca (Batangas)
San Mateo (Isabela)
Pola (Oriental Mindoro)
Dumaran, Brooke’s Point, Magsaysay, and Coron (Palawan)
These localities are known for their geographically isolated or mountainous terrain, often limiting access to timely healthcare.
“These vehicles improve the ability of LGUs to respond quickly to emergencies, especially where hospitals are far and resources are limited,” said PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco during the turnover ceremony.
Life-Saving Features in Every Vehicle
Each unit is equipped with:
Emergency stretcher
Oxygen tank
Wheelchair
First aid kits
GPS navigation system
These features ensure that local health responders can offer basic life support during transit and navigate difficult terrain efficiently.
According to municipal health officers, the availability of a PTV can mean the difference between life and death, especially in towns like Dumaran, where patients may need to endure six-hour journeys to reach advanced care in Puerto Princesa City.
A Step Toward Health Equity
PAGCOR’s initiative reflects a growing recognition of healthcare disparities between urban and rural areas. With this donation, the gaming regulator extends its social responsibility mandate into public health—prioritizing transport logistics, a frequently overlooked aspect of emergency preparedness in the provinces.
This move supports the Philippine government’s Universal Health Care (UHC) Act, which calls for strengthened local health systems and inclusive access to essential medical services.
Community Leaders Welcome the Support
The turnover ceremony, held at PAGCOR’s corporate office in Pasay City, was attended by municipal representatives and health officials who emphasized the real-world impact of the donation.
“In communities like ours, where terrain and distance work against us, this is more than a vehicle—it’s a lifeline,” said a health officer from Coron.
Moving Forward
As demand for emergency healthcare rises, PAGCOR’s intervention could serve as a model for public-private support for healthcare logistics in archipelagic regions. The organization has hinted at further investments in health programs, particularly in disaster-prone and underserved provinces.
With these Patient Transport Vehicles now in operation, rural communities across Luzon and Palawan gain not just wheels, but hope for faster, safer, and more efficient medical care access—a crucial element in the fight for health equity in the Philippines.
