(AFP file photo)
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday vowed that all local government units (LGUs) in the country “will one day” have a fully-operational ambulance and medical responders.
“It is part of the bigger picture where we are upscaling our preparedness and response to calamities and disasters at both the local and at the national level,” Marcos said during the turnover ceremony for 51 Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) to LGUs in Western Visayas.
Marcos said the Office of the President has already approved the release of P2 billion for the acquisition of 1,000 more PTVs to cover all cities and municipalities nationwide.
“We hope one day that every town and city… Let me change that: We do not hope one day. We promise one day every town and city will be equipped with fully operational PTVs and medical responders on standby,” he added.
The President then reminded LGU partners to ensure that the ambulances (or the PTVs) will be properly used and “not left idle in parking lots.”
“Let us make sure that these vehicles are not left idle in the parking lots, but are out there, being used, saving lives, reaching the farthest communities and delivering what we promised—swift, reliable health care for every Filipino,” said Marcos.
“Because at the end of the day, true public service is not just about showing up; it is about getting there on time, every time with assistance ready to be given to those in need,” he added.
Marcos reiterated that the government will continue investing in healthcare, not just in medical facilities and assets, “but also in the capacity-building of medical professionals.”