The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor), the nation’s casino regulator-cum-operator, on Wednesday delivered PHP16.20-million (US$290,000) worth of patient-transport vehicles to eight local government units in Luzon, the country’s main island.
The beneficiaries include government units from: Rosario and Cuenca in Batangas; San Mateo in Isabela; Pola in Oriental Mindoro; and the municipalities of Dumaran, Brooke’s Point, Magsaysay, and Coron in Palawan, said Pagcor in a press release.
A ceremony marking the donation of the vehicles (pictured) was held at the Pagcor Corporate Office in Pasay City.
“Each vehicle is equipped with essential emergency medical features, including a GPS navigation system, ambulance stretcher, oxygen supply, wheelchair, and first aid kit,” Pagcor said in its release.
The document quoted Pagcor chairman and chief executive Alejandro Tengco (pictured, left) as saying the patient transport vehicles were intended to enhance the capacity of local health units to respond swiftly to medical emergencies.
“Through these vehicles, we help ensure that people living in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas can receive timely medical care,” he said.
Mr Tengco and Pagcor’s entire board tendered their resignations last month on a “courtesy” basis, following a call by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr for the resignations of all cabinet secretaries and other political appointees.
The country’s leader has been reshaping his government after a disappointing showing for his allies in the mid-term elections on May 12.
All government officials asked to resign will continue to perform their duties until further notice, according to a government statement.


