By JOE-ANN GARGAR SOLIS FELISILDA
BUTUAN CITY — In a significant step toward strengthening healthcare accessibility and emergency medical response in Mindanao, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) officially turned over 44 Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) to local government units (LGUs) across the island on Monday, July 7, at the Libertad Sports Complex in Butuan City.
The turnover ceremony, which commenced at 12:22 noon, was led by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and PCSO General Manager Melquiades A. Robles, underscoring the national government’s continuing commitment to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s healthcare agenda of bringing essential medical services closer to every Filipino.
The activity coincided with the First Lady’s flagship “Lab for All” caravan, transforming the Libertad Sports Complex into a center of integrated healthcare and government services for thousands of Caraganons.
44 Patient Transport Vehicles Strengthen Local Emergency Response
Under the Medical Transport Vehicle Donation Program (MTVDP), the newly donated Patient Transport Vehicles are intended to help provinces, cities, and municipalities safely and efficiently transport patients to hospitals and other healthcare facilities, particularly during medical emergencies.
The vehicles are likewise expected to enhance local health programs, disaster preparedness, emergency response, recovery, and rehabilitation efforts in beneficiary communities.
Speaking during the turnover ceremony, PCSO General Manager Melquiades A. Robles emphasized that every donated vehicle represents the agency’s commitment to bringing life-saving assistance closer to Filipinos.
“Every Patient Transport Vehicle we turn over today represents PCSO’s commitment to bring help closer to our kababayans, especially during moments when timely medical response can save lives,” Robles said.He further stressed that the program reflects PCSO’s mandate of translating the proceeds from its gaming operations into tangible public service.
“Sa bawat taya, may kawanggawa. This is the heart of PCSO’s work. Through these vehicles, we are not only providing transportation; we are helping local governments respond faster, reach more patients, and deliver care when it is needed most,” he added.
Robles also reaffirmed PCSO’s commitment to continue supporting the healthcare priorities of the Marcos administration by working closely with local governments to expand access to essential healthcare services.
Mindanao LGUs Receive New Medical Transport Units
The 44 Patient Transport Vehicles were distributed to selected local government units from various provinces throughout Mindanao, including Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Basilan, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental, Dinagat Islands, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Sulu, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay.
Also among the beneficiaries were the municipalities of Catarman, Guinsiliban, Mahinog, Mambajao, and Sagay in the island province of Camiguin.
Earlier this year, PCSO likewise distributed 13 Patient Transport Vehicles to seven earthquake-affected provinces—Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Cotabato—following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off the coast of Maasim, Sarangani Province on June 8, 2026.
‘Lab for All’ Brings Free Healthcare Services to Caraga
Held simultaneously with the turnover ceremony was the Lab for All Caravan, the flagship healthcare program of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, in line with President Marcos Jr.’s vision of making quality healthcare available and accessible to every Filipino.
Hundreds of Caraganons flocked to the Libertad Sports Complex as early as morning to avail themselves of free medical consultations, diagnostic laboratory examinations, essential medicines, and other health services provided through the caravan.
The activity also gathered various national government agencies that brought their frontline services closer to the public, allowing residents to access multiple government programs in one venue.
Government Agencies Join Whole-of-Government Effort
Among the participating agencies was the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Regional Office XIII, which provided housing-related assistance and information on the government’s key housing initiatives, including the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program and other housing services.
Through its participation, DHSUD reaffirmed its commitment to supporting government initiatives that deliver accessible, responsive, and people-centered public service to communities across Caraga.
The Philippine National Police Regional Office 13, led by PBGen. Christopher
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