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by Info @Brand Zone | April 15, 2026
By: Jerwin Palo Nohay / Photo by: PCSO Isabela Branch
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) turned over two Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) to the Provincial Government of Isabela in support of the inauguration of the newly established Super Health Center in Cabatuan on March 26, 2026.
The inauguration ceremony was spearheaded by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., alongside House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III and Governor Rodito Albano III. The event was attended by local officials and residents of Isabela, marking a significant milestone in improving access to quality health services in the province.
Meanwhile, the donated PTVs from PCSO are expected to benefit not only the Super Health Center but also residents of the surrounding communities, including Ilocanos, especially during medical emergencies to ensure immediate and efficient transport of patients.
The donation was made under the PCSO’s Medical Transport Vehicle (MTV) Donation Program, which aims to provide reliable transport support to health institutions nationwide. Through this initiative, PCSO helps ensure that patients receive timely medical attention, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
The PCSO reinforces its commitment to promoting public welfare and supporting government efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare delivery system.
“PCSO, Hindi Umuurong sa Pagtulong!”
by Info @Brand Zone | March 30, 2025
Basco, Batanes – In line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to make healthcare accessible for everyone, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has announced its plan to provide a landing craft vessel (LCV) for Batanes to improve patient transport across the province’s island municipalities, with deployment scheduled later this year.
PCSO General Manager Melquiades “Mel” Robles described the LCV as a “mini RORO” that allows ambulances to be loaded directly onto the vessel.
The LCV is intended to support patient mobility, enabling the transport of patients, responders, and essential medical supplies between islands such as Sabtang and Basco. Designed to directly access shorelines, it will allow patients to be transferred more efficiently to healthcare facilities, particularly in emergency situations.
“This means the patient can remain inside the ambulance from the point of transport until arrival at the hospital, without the need for repeated transfers,” he said.
“Direkta natin silang madadala sa pinakamalapit na pagamutan—isang tunay na door-to-door na serbisyong medikal,” he added.
Robles said the initiative aims to address mobility challenges in geographically isolated areas, where access to healthcare is often affected by sea conditions and limited transport options.
The LCV is set to be deployed to provinces with island municipalities later this year, including Batanes, as part of efforts to strengthen inter-island healthcare access.
The initiative will complement PCSO’s existing support through the provision of patient transport vehicles to local government units, which serve communities on land but are limited in reaching areas separated by water.
The need for improved patient transport was underscored during a medical and dental mission conducted on March 26 and 27 in Sabtang and Basco, where PCSO delivered consultations, free medicines, and diagnostic services to hundreds of beneficiaries across the province.
The mission also highlighted the use of modern medical technology, including a portable, AI-powered X-ray system that enabled on-site screening for tuberculosis and other chest-related conditions. While such innovations bring faster diagnosis closer to remote communities, the need for reliable transport remains critical to ensure patients requiring further evaluation can access appropriate healthcare facilities.
Batanes, with a population of approximately 18,000, is composed of 6 municipalities and 29 barangays, with communities separated by sea, making access to timely healthcare a continuing challenge.
Local officials welcomed the initiative, noting that improved inter-island transport is crucial in ensuring timely medical care for residents of remote communities.
The deployment of the LCV forms part of efforts to strengthen healthcare access in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).
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