The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor), the nation’s casino regulator-cum-operator, delivered in late May seven additional patient-transport vehicles to various local government units (LGUs) and other agencies.
The newest recipients are the city of Dumaguete in Negros Oriental; the municipalities of Narra in Palawan, Manay in Davao Oriental, and Sibalom in Antique; as well as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Bureau of Corrections, and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.
The vehicles aim to strengthen emergency response capabilities, particularly in underserved communities across the country, Pagcor has said in previous announcements about its patient-vehicle donations.
The regulator describes such donations as part of the agency’s corporate social responsibility initiatives to improve access to essential health services in the country, particularly in communities with limited resources.
Pagcor chairman and chief executive, Alejandro Tengco, had said earlier that the vehicle donations would help ensure faster and safer transport of patients during medical emergencies and disaster response operations.
Each vehicle is said to be equipped with basic medical and safety features, including a stretcher, oxygen tank, wheelchair, first aid kit, and navigation system.
To date, the agency said it had donated a total of 189 patient-transport vehicles to various LGUs, partner agencies, and other institutions.
