TACLOBAN CITY—The three provinces of Samar and Biliran province received new patient transport vehicles (PTVs) and their shares from Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) lotto revenues during a turnover ceremony held on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Toyota Mabolo in Cebu City, strengthening local healthcare and emergency response services.
Biliran Governor Rogelio Espina personally received the vehicles saying these would help boost the delivery of medical services and even emergency cases across the province.
The province of Samar also received their own units with Governor Sharee Ann Tan personally accepting a new patient transport vehicle intended for use by the Samar Provincial Hospital. The unit is expected to enhance the province’s capacity to safely and efficiently transport patients, particularly those needing urgent medical attention.
Eastern Samar Governor Ralph Vincent Evardone also received two patient transport vehicles, along with the province’s share of PCSO lotto revenues during the same ceremony.
Eastern Samar was among 10 beneficiary provinces in the Visayas that received a total of 18 patient transport vehicles valued at P38.502 million. Other recipients included Cebu, Bohol, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Northern Samar, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.
In addition, Eastern Samar received P276,826 as its share from PCSO lotto revenues covering July to December 2025, which will support various provincial government programs and services.
PCSO officials said the turnover highlights the agency’s continuing commitment to support local governments in improving healthcare systems, emergency response, and public service delivery across the regions.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
