TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has extended financial and medical assistance to the municipalities of Catarman and Laoang in Northern Samar, reinforcing efforts to boost local healthcare services.
In Catarman, PCSO Northern Samar Branch Head Lester Trongcoso turned over a check worth P1.06 million to Mayor Dianne Rosales. The amount represents the LGU’s five percent share from PCSO lotto operations in the municipality covering the period July to December 2024.
Under Executive Order No. 357, signed in 1996 by the late President Fidel V. Ramos, cities and municipalities where lotto operations are conducted are entitled to five percent of the lotto charity fund, while provinces receive two percent.
Local governments are allowed to utilize the funds to provide medical assistance to indigent residents, procure medical supplies, improve rural health units, or extend aid to calamity victims.
Mayor Rosales and Trongcoso also discussed the forthcoming donation of an ambulance to the Catarman LGU, which will be used to strengthen the town’s emergency response capacity.
Meanwhile, in Laoang, the PCSO donated essential medical equipment, including nebulizers, blood pressure apparatus sets, trauma bags, and oxygen tanks.
The assistance was in response to a formal request by Mayor Charlene Lademora-Ongchuan.
The donation was received on behalf of the Laoang LGU by John Allen Berbon from PCSO Assistant General Manager Atty. Lauro A. Patiag.
The PCSO continues to partner with local government units nationwide to provide accessible healthcare support and respond to emergency needs, particularly in underserved areas.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
