President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday led the turnover of two new ambulances to strengthen healthcare delivery in Cabatuan, Isabela, as part of efforts to improve access to medical services in underserved communities.

Marcos personally handed over the keys to the patient transport vehicles (PTVs) for the Rural Health Unit (RHU) of Cabatuan during a brief stop in the province.

The President arrived at the Cabatuan Super Health Center (SHC) in Barangay San Andres at around 12 noon, accompanied by House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, Isabela Gov. Rodolfo Albano II and Vice Gov. Francis Faustino “Kiko” Dy.

He was welcomed by local officials led by Mayor Charlton Liu-Uy, along with health personnel, SHC head Dr. Ria Blanca Francisco and Dr. Lara Rosiete of the Doctors to the Barrios program.

A crowd of patients, health workers and teachers gathered at the facility and greeted the President upon his arrival.

The ambulances, provided by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, were turned over to the provincial government to enhance emergency response capabilities and patient mobility, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach areas.

Following the turnover, Marcos interacted with doctors, nurses, midwives and patients, acknowledging their role in delivering frontline healthcare services.

He also inspected the Cabatuan Super Health Center, which serves up to 100 patients daily, providing essential medical services to residents in the area. (PNA)