In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen healthcare access in communities, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) on Thursday turned over ₱22.65 million worth of medical equipment to the provincial government of Batangas, building on its continuing healthcare support for the province.
The donation forms part of PCSO’s Medical Equipment Donation Program (MEDP), which helps strengthen local healthcare facilities and bring essential medical services closer to Filipinos.
PCSO General Manager Melquiades “Mel” Robles led the turnover of one ultraportable X-ray machine, one digital stationary X-ray machine, and one ultrasound machine to Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto at the Batangas Provincial Capitol.
Joining the ceremony were PCSO Directors Janet Mercado, Jennifer Guevara, and Imelda Papin.
In his message, Robles emphasized that the donation responds to the President’s instruction to bring government services directly to communities by equipping local governments to better serve their constituents.
“Ang bilin po ng Pangulong BBM, ibaba ang serbisyo sa tao. Let’s bring government to the people. This is why we provide these equipment, upang mas mailapit po ng lokal na pamahalaan ang serbisyo sa taumbayan. Ang PCSO, hindi umuurong sa pagtulong,” Robles said.
For her part, Gov. Santos-Recto welcomed the fulfillment of PCSO’s commitment, highlighting the quality of the donated equipment and its contribution to the province’s health programs.
“Nakakatuwa po dahil ang pangako ng PCSO, hindi drawing. Natanggap po namin ang biyayang ito na malaki ang maitutulong para sa aming health programs dito sa probinsya. At ang mga equipment po na ibinigay ninyo ay first-class. Maraming salamat po, PCSO,” Santos-Recto said.
The medical equipment donation is intended to strengthen the province’s diagnostic capacity, support earlier detection of medical conditions, and help healthcare professionals make timely treatment decisions. Expanding the availability of diagnostic services locally is also expected to reduce the need for patients to travel to more distant facilities.
The latest donation builds on earlier PCSO assistance to Batangas. On January 26, 2026, the agency turned over two additional patient transport vehicles, wheelchairs, and hygiene kits to the provincial government, strengthening its resources for patient transport and community healthcare support.
PCSO also extended assistance to individual communities in the province. On September 15, it provided San Juan, Batangas with medical devices and mobility aids, including blood pressure apparatuses, glucometers, nebulizers, wheelchairs, and walkers. On September 24, residents of the island municipality of Tingloy received medical devices, mobility aids, medicines, and other essential supplies through the agency’s Corporate Social Responsibility Program.
The ultraportable X-ray machine can support the delivery of imaging services in settings where access to stationary equipment is limited. The digital stationary X-ray and ultrasound machines will provide additional diagnostic resources for assessing patients and guiding their care.
