SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has received from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) a patient transport vehicle (PTV), one of the seven such donations that the agency turned over on May 26 to help strengthen the government’s emergency response.

PAGCOR President and Chief Operations Officer Wilma T. Eisma turned over the patient transport vehicle to Dr. Arlene Gravina-Cesa, officer in charge of the SBMA Public Health and Safety Department (PHSD) Medical Services Division, during a turnover ceremony held at the PAGCOR corporate office in Pasay City.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño expressed his gratitude to PAGCOR for the donation, saying it will boost the efficiency of medical service delivery in the Subic Bay Freeport.

“My heartfelt thanks to PAGCOR, especially to Chairman Alejandro H. Tengco, for providing the Freeport with a patient transport vehicle. This unit will certainly enhance the services of our Public Health and Safety Department (PHSD) during the scheduled, non-emergency transfer of clinically stable patients,” Aliño said.

“Kay Ma’am Amy (Eisma), marami pong salamat at hindi pa rin kayo nakakalimot sa iyong dating tahanan, ang SBMA,” he added. Eisma served as SBMA Chairman and Administrator from January 2017 to March 2022.

PAGCOR turned over on May 26 six other PTVs to local government units (LGUs) and other agencies, bringing to 189 its total PTV donations.

The other recipients are the City of Dumaguete in Negros Oriental; the municipalities of Narra in Palawan, Manay in Davao Oriental, and Sibalom in Antique; the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).

Each PTV from PAGCOR is equipped with essential medical and safety features, including a stretcher, oxygen tank, wheelchair, first aid kit, and navigation system to ensure safe and efficient patient transport.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco said the PTV donations are part of the agency’s efforts to strengthen the government’s emergency response, especially in situations where every second counts.

He added that the PTVs will help ensure faster and safer transport of patients during medical emergencies and disaster response operations.

MMDA Road Emergency Group Head Edward Gonzales welcomed the donation, noting that the additional unit would boost the operational capability of their unit.

“Malaking bagay ito sa amin. We respond to 8 to 10 emergencies daily, at mas mapapabilis ang pag-pick-up namin sa mga pasyente hanggang sa maihatid sila sa ospital,” Gonzales said.

BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., meanwhile, said the donation “will greatly enhance our capacity to safely and efficiently transport inmates who require medical attention, ensuring that their health needs are promptly addressed.” ▲