In behalf of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), Vice Chairperson and General Manager (GM) Royina M. Garma turned over 53 patient transport vehicles (PTVs) to beneficiaries on 21 September 2020.
The 53 beneficiaries are a combination of local government units (LGUs), hospitals, and government offices who requested assistance from PCSO. Of the 53 recipients, 46 were present during the ceremony at the Nissan North EDSA Branch in Balintawak, Quezon City. Those who were unable to attend due to travel restrictions will receive their PTVs on a later date.
The recipients were appreciative of the assistance provided by PCSO and its charity-oriented thrusts. A representative of the Aurora LGU from Isabela Province expressed, “nagpapasalamat (kami) sa tulong na natanggap namin sa PCSO na PTV na makakatulong sa aming kababayan kaya po ang aming lalawigan ay sumusuporta sa adhikain ng PCSO.” Aurora is a third-class municipality; PCSO’s assistance is a welcome boost to its capacity to meet the needs of its constituents.
PCSO ensures that its assistance is responsive to the charity requirements of a range of stakeholders, particularly those in disadvantaged areas. Among the 53 beneficiaries is the town of Boston in the easternmost and coastal areas of Davao Oriental.
GM Garma in her message emphasized, “The revenues from our gaming products such as STL, Lotto, Keno and Sweepstakes are divided into three… and 30% is allocated to our Charity Fund. Very important ang inyong pagtangkilik sa amin kaya nagiging possible lahat ang aming pinangtutulong sa sambayanang Pilipino tulad ng libreng PTV, Medical Assistance Program, Institutional Partnership Program, Medicine Donation, Medical Mission, Calamity at marami pang iba,”
Demonstrating understanding of PCSO’s gaming operations and charity work and their importance in responding to the ongoing public health emergency, Bartolome Trinidad of Cobarroguis town in Quirino Province said, ”Alam namin po na ang mga ambulansyang ito ay nagmula po sa PCSO at sa mga laro nila tulad ng lotto, keno sweepstakes at STL. Sana po ay suportahan natin ang kanilang mga produkto para mas marami pa silang matulungan na kababayan natin, lalo na ngayon panahon ng pandemya.”
Each PTV is valued at PhP1.585 million. PCSO no longer requires monetary counterparts from the beneficiary institutions for its PTV donations.
Together with GM Garma at the turnover were Dr. Alexander R. Castillo, representative of Chairperson Anselmo Simeon P. Pinili, and Assistant General Manager for Charity Sector, Julieta F. Aseo.
