(PCSO photo release)
BASCO, BATANES — In a bid to enhance healthcare access in remote island communities, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) will introduce a landing craft vessel (LCV) to Batanes later this year. The move supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure that medical services reach all Filipinos, including those in geographically isolated locations.
PCSO General Manager Melquiades “Mel” Robles called the LCV a “mini RORO,” capable of carrying ambulances directly onto the vessel. This system allows patients to remain in the ambulance throughout their journey, reducing transfer times and improving emergency response.
The vessel will transport patients, responders, and medical supplies between islands such as Basco and Sabtang, providing more efficient access to healthcare facilities. “This ensures patients receive uninterrupted care from pickup to hospital,” Robles noted.
The initiative addresses the persistent challenges of inter-island mobility, particularly during rough sea conditions, and complements PCSO’s current land-based patient transport programs.
The need for reliable transport was evident during a medical and dental mission on March 26-27, which brought consultations, medicines, and AI-powered X-ray screenings to residents in Sabtang and Basco. Local officials lauded the LCV as a vital step toward improving healthcare services for Batanes’ population of around 18,000.
