Mayors Praise Ambulance Distribution Across Eastern Visayas
Eastern Visayas mayors expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the recent ambulance distribution to 123 local government units. The donation aims to enhance the emergency response capabilities of these LGUs, many of which struggle with limited medical transport resources.
The turnover ceremony took place at Ormoc City’s public plaza, where President Marcos personally handed over the ambulances. Local officials welcomed the move, highlighting the critical role these vehicles will play in saving lives across the region.
Ambulance Distribution Boosts Emergency Services
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office facilitated this initiative, which has now increased nationwide ambulance coverage to approximately 75 percent of all LGUs. Community members and officials alike emphasized the timely nature of the donation, given ongoing healthcare challenges.
Almagro Mayor Candido Bona from Samar, serving a small island municipality with just over 16,000 residents, shared how their lone ambulance had become unusable. He noted, “With just less than P500,000 local income, buying such a facility is beyond our means.”
He added, “That is why we are thankful to the President for giving us this ambulance, and we hope that next time, we will have a sea ambulance as well.” Presently, residents must endure a three-hour boat ride to Calbayog City for hospital care, underscoring the urgent need for improved emergency transport.
Local Leaders Highlight Remaining Challenges
In Calbayog City, Mayor Raymund Uy acknowledged that although they have six ambulances, demand remains high, especially in remote barangays. He said, “We still need more ambulances that are to be deployed in our remote areas.”
Similarly, Lemuel Honor, Mayor of Silago in Southern Leyte, shared that the new ambulance will raise their total to five units. He explained, “This new ambulance will be used for our remote villages. And there are even instances that our ambulance is being used to transport even patients coming from barangays of our neighboring town of Abuyog.”
Guiuan Mayor Welcomes Additional Ambulance Support
Guiuan Mayor Annaliza Gonzales-Kwan of Eastern Samar also expressed appreciation for the ambulance donation. She noted that the new vehicle will complement the municipality’s existing fleet of six ambulances, improving access to emergency care.
Ambulance Equipment and Government’s Healthcare Goals
Each ambulance comes fully equipped with essential medical supplies, including an oxygen tank, stretcher, first aid kit, blood pressure monitor, and a medicine cabinet. Officials reported that this distribution is part of the national government’s broader campaign to strengthen the country’s emergency healthcare system.
In his address, President Marcos emphasized that the ambulance distribution aligns with his administration’s mission to “strengthen our healthcare system and bring healthcare to the smallest members of our society.” He revealed that out of the 1,642 LGUs nationwide, 1,173 have already received ambulances, with the rest expected to be covered by year-end.
President’s Call for Proper Use and Maintenance
The President urged local governments to care for the ambulances properly. He stressed that responsible use and regular maintenance are vital to ensuring these vehicles serve their communities effectively for many years.
For more news and updates on ambulance distribution, visit Filipinokami.com.
