President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday vowed that every city and municipality in the Philippines will receive an ambulance or patient transport vehicle (PTV) by the end of 2025, as part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare system.
Speaking at a turnover ceremony for the distribution of 397 new PTVs to various local government units (LGUs) courtesy of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) in Luzon, President Marcos reported that a total of 680 PTVs have been distributed nationwide since June 2022.
He noted that 123 units will also be dispatched to Eastern Visayas and 105 to Mindanao under the same batch.
“The instruction I gave to GM (general manager) Mel Robles is clear: by the end of 2025, we must be able to say that every city and municipality has received one of these vehicles,” President Marcos said at the event in Quirino Grandstand in Manila.
The President emphasized the government’s deliberate selection of a vehicle model suited for the country’s narrow roads and remote areas.
He cited his experience as a former governor, recalling that some ambulances donated from abroad, though expensive and well-equipped, were impractical for small towns with limited road access.
“This model is appropriate for our conditions. It’s easy to maintain, spare parts are available, and even local mechanics can service them,” President Marcos said.
The Chief Executive urged LGUs to take good care of the vehicles, emphasizing their long-term value if properly maintained. He also outlined plans to eventually allocate more units to larger LGUs based on population needs.
Currently, there are 1,642 cities and municipalities in the country. With the latest distribution, Mr. Marcos said the administration is well on its way to fulfilling its commitment.
The President also reiterated his broader push to improve the nation’s healthcare services, highlighting investments in hospitals, specialty centers, and expanded PhilHealth coverage.
He expressed hope that, in the future, patient contributions for medical treatment could be reduced or even eliminated entirely.
“This is only one part of strengthening our healthcare system,” he said. “We are working to ensure that no Filipino is left behind when it comes to medical care.”
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Ambulance for all: Marcos vows emergency vehicles to every LGU”
