DONATION. Danglas, Abra Mayor Esther Bernos (3rd from left) receives the keys for a new ambulance from Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office General Manager Mel Robles during a turnover ceremony at the town covered court on Friday (July 29, 2022). Also in photo are Abra Rep. Ching Bernos and La Paz Mayor Joseph Bernos (5th and 6th from left), accompanied by Danglas health workers. (Contributed photo)
MANILA – Less than 24 hours after an Abra mayor sought the help of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for an ambulance in his town, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) immediately answered the call of the Chief Executive and dispatched a brand-new ambulance to the quake-damaged province.
During the President’s visit to Abra Thursday, Mayor Joseph "JB" Bernos of La Paz town appealed for help in strengthening the disaster response measures of local government units as he requested for additional firetrucks and ambulances for the quake-hit province.
Bernos had told the President that requesting for ambulances was very difficult for them as far as the PCSO is concerned.
Admitting that there is really an issue on the number of firetrucks and ambulances in Abra, Marcos said the government will look into Bernos' request.
"All your comments are well noted and of course, sige we will look into it.The problem of firetruck and ambulance is worse here in Abra than in other provinces, medyo naiwanan kayo,” he said.
A day later, PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles delievered an ambulance to the town of Danglas, Abra where he handed over the keys of the ambulance to Danglas Mayor Esther Bernos in simple ceremonies held at the town’s covered court.
Witnessing the turnover were Mayor JB Bernos of La Paz, Abra Rep. Ching Bernos, and the health workers of Danglas, who were happy for the delivery of the well-equipped ambulance which could greatly help save lives during emergency situations.
While awaiting the start of the turnover ceremonies, aftershocks were still felt by the local officials, health workers and guests.
In a short speech, Robles assured Mayors Esther and JB Bernos of the towns of Danglas and La Paz that PCSO is committed to implement the State of the Nation Address directives of President Marcos that will make the process of giving assistance to the public simpler and faster. (OPS)
