Key Moments:
- PAGCOR has donated PHP141 million ($2.4 million) worth of Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) to PCSO for distribution across the Philippines.
- The initiative includes 70 fully equipped vehicles to be given to qualified local government units, supporting emergency medical response especially in remote regions.
- PAGCOR’s broader vehicle program has already delivered 60 units since February to assist communities, including those affected by Super Typhoon Nando.
Strengthening Healthcare Access Nationwide
PAGCOR has reaffirmed its commitment to public health with a PHP141 million ($2.4 million) donation of Patient Transport Vehicles. The 70 fully equipped vehicles will be distributed by the PCSO to selected local government units across the country. The goal is to boost medical response capabilities, particularly in underserved and remote areas.
Details of the Memorandum of Agreement
PAGCOR and PCSO formalized the vehicle donation with a Memorandum of Agreement signing held at PAGCOR’s Corporate Office in Pasay City on Wednesday, 15 October. Each vehicle includes GPS navigation, medical oxygen, a stretcher, a wheelchair, and a first aid kit. These features ensure faster and more efficient emergency care.
Leadership Perspectives
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco emphasized the importance of these vehicles, stating, “These vehicles are not mere means of transport; they are lifelines that can spell the difference between life and death for those who need immediate medical attention,” Tengco said. “By combining PAGCOR’s resources with PCSO’s long-standing experience in health-related programs, we can reach more communities and save more lives.”
He also thanked PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles and his team for their cooperation. Moreover, he noted that this partnership marks only the beginning of their joint efforts to support Filipinos in need.
Broader Commitment to Public Service
This batch of 70 vehicles forms part of PAGCOR’s wider plan to supply 246 units to LGUs, hospitals, and other frontline agencies nationwide. These units are being rolled out in stages to prioritize the most pressing community needs.
Since February, 60 PTVs have already been distributed to beneficiaries in provinces such as Batangas, Tarlac, Pangasinan, Bulacan, and Ilocos Norte. These vehicles have led to faster response times and better patient transport. In particular, they have helped communities affected by disasters or cut off by geography.
Disaster Relief and Community Support
PAGCOR’s vehicle donations have played a vital role in emergency response, especially in regions hit by Super Typhoon Nando in northern Luzon. Local leaders report that the PTVs are invaluable not just for emergency and disaster situations but also for transporting patients to hospitals located several kilometers away.
Supporting Government Initiatives and Financial Contributions
PAGCOR said it continues to align its outreach programs with the government’s push to make essential services more accessible. Additionally, PAGCOR has strengthened its financial support by remitting PHP12.67 billion ($218.2 million) to the National Treasury in May — equal to 75% of its 2024 net income. The agency disclosed that this level of remittance supports the directive from Finance Secretary Ralph Recto for government-owned and controlled corporations to advance an additional 25 percent dividend in aid of public spending.
Vehicle Distribution Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Total value of donation | PHP141 million ($2.4 million) |
| Number of vehicles in current donation | 70 fully equipped PTVs |
| Total planned vehicle donations | 246 units to be delivered in phases |
| Dividends remitted to Treasury (May) | PHP12.67 billion ($218.2 million) |
- Author
Daniel Williams
