ZUMARRAGA, Samar– This island municipality is taking a major step toward improving healthcare access for its 16,000 residents, following the delivery of a brand-new, fully equipped patient transfer vehicle (PTV) from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
Mayor Rosalito Castillo received the unit from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on August 18 in Ormoc City, as part of the regional distribution of 124 medical transport vehicles across Eastern Visayas. Zumarraga was among 24 Samar municipalities that benefited from the program.
Designated as a geographically isolated and disadvantaged area (GIDA), Zumarraga has long struggled with emergency referrals due to its location. The new ambulance is expected to save lives by ensuring patients can reach advanced medical care without delay.
“This initiative addresses a critical need for island communities like ours, where access to healthcare often depends on sea travel,” Mayor Castillo said, adding that the LGU is pursuing complementary measures to strengthen local health systems.
These include rehabilitating rural health centers, upgrading equipment and medicine stocks, and launching a mobile diagnostic clinic (Klinik Ha Baryo) to deliver laboratory tests, X-rays, and basic screening services directly to barangays.
The municipality is also an active partner of the Philippine Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP), which focuses on reducing child stunting through nutrition programs for pregnant women and children under two years old.
Local officials say these efforts are part of a broader push to make preventive care and health education more accessible to every household.
“With the new patient transport vehicle and ongoing health initiatives, we aim to overcome geographic barriers and build a healthier, more resilient community,” Castillo added.
(JAZMIN BONIFACIO)
