The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) strengthened local healthcare systems in the Visayas after it formally turned over 18 Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) worth P38.5 million to 10 provincial governments under its Medical Transport Vehicle Donation Program (MTVDP).
The turnover ceremony was held on June 25, 2026, at Toyota Mabolo in Cebu City and formed part of the government’s continuing efforts to improve access to healthcare services, particularly in geographically isolated and underserved communities.
The beneficiary provinces included Cebu, Bohol, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Samar, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor. The vehicles were received by provincial governors and authorized representatives on behalf of their respective local government units.
PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles said the initiative aligned with the healthcare agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which sought to bring quality healthcare services closer to Filipinos across the country.
βThe newly distributed vehicles were expected to strengthen the transport capabilities of local government units and ensure the safe and timely transfer of patients to healthcare facilities, particularly during emergencies, disasters, and medical referrals,β Robles said.
With the latest distribution, PCSO had already provided a total of 1,731 Patient Transport Vehicles nationwide to provinces, cities, municipalities, and government hospitals. The agency noted that the program had played a vital role in enhancing local healthcare delivery and emergency response systems.
In addition to the vehicle turnover, several local government units received their respective shares from PCSO lotto revenues covering the period from July to December 2025.
Among the recipients, the Province of Leyte received P1.09 million, while the City Government of Cebu received P2.17 million. The Province of Cebu received P694,180.45; Northern Samar received P986,794.95; Eastern Samar received P276,825.94; Negros Oriental received P253,414.53; and Siquijor received P53,737.56.
PCSO emphasized that these allocations demonstrated how revenues generated from its gaming operations were reinvested into communities through healthcare, social welfare, and public service programs.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to healthcare services and providing meaningful assistance to Filipinos. Through initiatives such as the Medical Transport Vehicle Donation Program, PCSO continued to transform gaming revenues into tangible benefits that helped improve the quality of life of communities nationwide.
Toyota Mabolo, Cebu, Inc. Vehicle Sales Manager Yvonne Bala shared that all of the recipients chose Toyota because of its durability, reliability, and Toyota units can be serviced even in remote areas since local mechanics are familiar with the brand and spare parts are widely available.
“Each unit costs P2.2M to P2.3M is equipped with essential medical equipment, including a stretcher, oxygen tank, wheelchair, BP monitor, emergency kit and medicine cabinet to support the safe transport of patients to healthcare facilities,” Bala added.
