PCSO turns over 18 ambulances to 10 Visayas Provinces

CEBU CITY – The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) turned over 18 Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) 10 provinces in the Visayas under its Medical Transport Vehicle Donation Program (MTVDP) on June 25, 2026, at Toyota Mabolo, Pope John Paul ll Avenue, Mabolo, Cebu City, in line with the Marcos administration’s healthcare agenda of bringing quality healthcare services closer to every Filipino.

PCSO general manager, Melquiades Robles said, in his message at the event that the these PTVs will help bring health care services closer to those who need them most, especially those living in remote and underserved communities.

“Likewise, the lotto shares that we will be released today will provide additional sources that can support programs, projects, and initiatives that improve the welfare of your constituents.  More importantly, this gathering serves as a reminder that every PCSO ticket purchased contributes to a greater purpose,” Robles said

These 18 PTVs represent a total investment of P38.502 million from PCSO and were turned over today to the local government units/provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Samar, Eastem Samar, Northemn Samar, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.

These are intended to augment the transport capabilities and enhance the delivery of healthcare services, especially in communities where access to hospitals and medical facilities remains a challenge, Robles added.

Toyota-Mabolo in Cebu has already completed distributing ambulances to the different cities and municipalities all over the Philippines. These are Toyota Hi-ace Commuter Deluxe with a 2.8 engine and each unit costs P2.2M to P2.3M and comes with stretcher, oxygen tank, wheelchair, BP monitor, first-aid kit, medicine cabinet, said Yvonne Bala, Toyota-Mabolo sales manager.

 

All of the recipients chose Toyota because of its durability, reliability, and if you are going to bring these vehicles to the provinces, it would be easy to maintain, even like a local mechanic knows how to maintain a Toyota vehicle, Bala added.

Robles bared that with this latest distribution, PCSO has now distributed a total of 1,731 PTVs to provinces, cities, municipalities, and government hospitals nationwide, further strengthening the agency's support for accessible and responsive healthcare services across the country.

PCSO’s goal is one ambulance for each city, municipality nationwide. For the Visayas, there have been three major batches recently including the Negros Island Region + Western Visayas with 82 PTVs in November 2025 at the Bacolod City Gov’t Center; 37 units for NIR--11 Negros Occidental, 22 Negros Oriental, 4 Siquijor; 45 units for Region 6--Aklan 7, Antique 8, Capiz 9, Iloilo 20, and one for Guimaras.

Eastern Visayas had 124 PTVs distributed on August 18, 2025 with Ormoc City led by PBBM, covering Leyte, Samar, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar. Many LGUs got ambulance for first time.  Aklan had 2 PTVs on June 1, 2026 turnover, Part of P26.5M package with medical equipment.

Robles added that the Medical Transport Vehicle Donation Program (MTVDP) is one of PCSO's key initiatives aimed at strengthening local healthcare systems and emergency medical response capabilities.

Through the donation of these PTVs, PCSO helps ensure the safe, efficient, and timely transport of patients, especially those residing in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. The program also supports provincial and local health facilities in responding to medical emergencies, disasters, recovery efforts, and rehabilitation activities.

Cebu Province Governor, Pamela Baricuatro thanked the PCSO for these PTVs, a true value of the collective efforts between the national and local government units to expand health programs to reach even more Filipinos in need of better health services, she said.

By providing these vehicles to local government units, PCSO reinforces its mission of delivering meaningful assistance to communities and improving access to essential healthcare services. The turnover underscores the agency's commitment to translating gaming revenues into programs that directly benefit Filipinos particularly those in need of medical and health-related support

Meanwhile, during the turnover event, the PCSO also distributed checks as lotto shares to select beneficiary local government units from PCSO's lotto revenues for the period of July to December 2025. 

The Province of Cebu received P694,180.45, while the Province of Eastern Samar received P276,825.94 and the Province of Leyte is set to receive P1,095,531.25. Tthe Province of Northern Samar received P986,794.95; thee Province of Negros Oriental received P253,414.53 and the Province of Siquijor received P53,737.56.   The City Government of Cebu received P2,169,768.96.

Robles said that these allocations show how PCSO gaming revenues are returned to communities, helping local governments fund programs and services for their constituents. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

 

 

 

Toyota on the spotlight as ambulances for the Visayas

CEBU CITY – Some 18 Toyota Hi-ace converted into ambulances under the Medical Transport Vehicle Donation Program (MTVDP) of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) were turned over to 10 local government units in the Visayas today, June 25 at the Toyota-Mabolo Branch in Cebu City.

“So, we are now distributing ambulances per province in the Visayas region to wit; Provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Samar, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Negros Oriental and Siquijor,” said Yvonne Bala, Toyota-Mabolo Sales Manager, in a side interview at the event.

Toyota-Mabolo in Cebu has already completed distributing ambulances to the different cities and municipalities all over the Philippines. These are Toyota Hi-ace Commuter Deluxe/Tamaraw with a 2.8 engine and each unit costs P2.2M to P2.3M and comes with stretcher, oxygen tank, wheelchair, BP monitor, first-aid kit, medicine cabinet, Bala shared.

All of the recipients chose Toyota because of its durability, reliability, and if you are going to bring these vehicles to the provinces, it would be easy to maintain, even like a local mechanic knows how to maintain a Toyota vehicle, Bala added.

PCSO general manager, Melquiades Robles bared that PCSO has been doing multiple turnover ceremonies for Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) in the Visayas under the Medical Transport Vehicle Donation Program (MTVDP) of the Marcos administration, and the Tamaraw + Hi-ace models are the main units Toyota supplies.

Toyota Motor PH pledged five Next-Gen Tamaraw units converted to ambulances for the PCSO/PBBM’s “Lab for All” program in Oct 2024. Most PCSO PTVs before were Toyota Hi-ace Commuter Deluxe. Toyota is now shifting some donations to the new Tamaraw platform, Robles added.

Why Toyota is the best vehicle for PCSO’s MTVD program, Bala shared that Toyota vehicles are quality, durable and reliable. Toyota calls it “Toyota Sure Advantage”.  Former PCSO GM Royina Garma thanked Toyota for its high-quality vehicles that that can be converted to PTVs.

 

The Hi-ace/Tamaraw is built for rough Philippine roads in remote areas, easy maintenance and parts are available everywhere, any mechanic can repair it anywhere. Critical for LGUs in far-flung Visayas islands, PCSO said.

According to Toyota, LGUs with these PTVs get accessible care and maintenance via Toyota’s dealer network. They can book PMS online via myToyota app.  For 10 provinces across Visayas islands, this means no need to ship vehicles to Manila for repair.

The PTVs are designed for patient and medic comfort.  The Toyota Hi-ace Commuter Deluxe/Tamaraw can navigate even remote areas while providing comfort during travel. High roof, wide doors, flat floor equals easier loading of stretchers and medical staff movement inside, Toyota said.

Toyota has proven track record and cost efficiency.  PCSO has already procured 300+ Hi-ace units from Toyota since 2021, then shifted to Tamaraw. PBBM said that as long as the LGUs take care of these vehicles, they can last and continue serving the people.

The bottom line is that these PTVs are not about speed or luxury.  For PCSO’s MTVDP, it’s about: Will these ambulances start after 5 years of rough roads, floods, and island barangays? Can a town mechanic in Samar fix it? Can parts arrive fast?

“Toyota Tamaraw/Hiace ticks all those boxes, which is why PCSO keeps ordering them,” Bala concluded.(Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

 

 

 

Toyota Team Cebu unveils next generation Tamaraw

CEBU CITY –The Toyota Team Cebu (TCB) unveiled the Next-Gen Toyota Tamaraw in a press conference on Sunday, January 18 at the Sinulog 1 Hall, Radisson Blue hotel, Cebu City, following Coco Martin’s introduction and promotion of the vehicle as its brand ambassador in partnership with Toyota Mabolo through a series of high-profile activities that brought together fans, customers, and the Cebuano community on January 17 and at the Sinulog Parade on January 18.

“Our Sinulog celebration shines because it is guided by The Toyota Way, our beacon. Through continuous improvement, we keep raising the bar to deliver the best customer satisfaction experience. Through respect for people and our traditions, we celebrate the 35 years of strong teamwork that power Toyota Team Cebu’s success. This is our rhythm. This is our pride. This is Toyota Team Cebu,” said Executive Vice President Kimberly Cuenco.

The Next-Gen Toyota Tamaraw is a back-to-basics workhorse built on Toyota's global IMV platform, so it keeps the rugged DNA of the 90s model but adds modern comfort and safety. It comes in both diesel and gasoline versions, with multiple body styles (drop side, aluminum cargo, long-wheelbase utility van) to fit 2-, 12- or 14-seat configurations, bared Evan Mamararlo, General Manager of Toyota Lapu-Lapu City.

The new Toyota Tamaraw is more refined ride and easier handling compared to the old Tamaraw, though still a bit bouncy on rough roads.  New conversion options coming soon including ambulance, patrol van, refrigerated van, food truck, mobile service vehicle, and a camper RV and they are all available in 9 variants, including both manual and automatic, with a new sub-₱800k gas short-wheelbase version planned for later release, Mamarado said.

Mamarado summarized the next generation Toyota Tamaraw as a perfect companion for businessmen and families, suitable for various uses. It is as practical, durable, reliable, and comfortable, making it an ideal choice for hardworking individuals in Cebu. The vehicle is presented as fitting the hardworking characteristics of Cebuanos, emphasizing its versatility and suitability for different needs, reinforcing the vehicle's appeal and benefits for the local market.

Toyota Team Cebu agreed that the new Tamaraw offers various body styles, including utility vans and pickups, and features flexible interiors, essential safety elements, and a work-ready design, an ideal companion for Cebuanos, fitting their hardworking nature.

New Tamaraw debuts at Sinulog with its ambassador Coco Martin

Toyota Team Cebu took center stage with a standout parade float featuring celebrated artists Coco Martin, as Toyota Tamaraw Ambassador with his performer friends Smugglaz, and Bassilyo, drawing cheers and excitement as they introduced Toyota’s newest game-changer, the Next Generation Tamaraw.

Coco Martin and his team also spent the afternoon at SM City Cebu for a lively mall show that drew large crowds of fans and mallgoers interacting with him and a closer look at the new Toyota Tamaraw.  Martin described the vehicle as like him in character, versatile, durable, adaptable and practical.

“Its adaptable configurations, proven durability, and practical features help individuals and enterprises move forward with confidence, from microbusiness operators and delivery services to families seeking a flexible vehicle for daily life,” Martin said.

Toyota Team Cebu leads the way

With Toyota Team Cebu leading the way, the Next Generation Tamaraw embodies Toyota’s vision of providing mobility solutions that go beyond transportation, helping Filipinos work smarter, grow their livelihoods, and turn their work into lasting success.

Founded in 1989 and operating in Cebu since 1990, Toyota Team Cebu has grown alongside the region, expanding its dealer network across Central Visayas and neighboring provinces to serve motorists, families, and businesses with quality vehicles and after-sales support.

Toyota Team Cebu, the largest Toyota leadership group in the country, led the celebration with top executives Kookie Layese, General Manager of Toyota Cebu City; Evan Mamararlo, General Manager of Toyota Lapu-Lapu, Cebu; Julius Borja, General Manager of Toyota Mandaue-North, Cebu; Elevic Jocson, General Manager of Toyota Talisay, Cebu; and Kimberley Cuenco, Executive Vice President of Toyota Team Cebu.

Toyota Team Cebu’s presence underscored Toyota’s strong regional commitment and leadership in supporting local businesses and communities. Looking for a specific variant, pricing, or want to know about financing options? Visit its various branches in Cebu and n Negros Occidental. (Photos: MBCNewman)