Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Chairperson Jose Jorge Corpuz personally distributed Friday several ambulances to six local government units and three community primary hospitals in Negros Oriental, and cheques worth P2.7 million to 19 municipalities and cities representing the five percent share of the operation of lotto outlets in their respective areas.
The recipients include the municipalities of Amlan, San Jose, Sibulan, Valencia, the cities of Canlaon and Guihulngan, and the community primary hospitals in Kalomboyan, Bayawan City; in Luz-Sikatuna, Guihulngan City; and in Pacuan, La Libertad.
Local government units with charity fund shares from lotto sales included Ayungon with P27,509.44; Bacong P103,977; Basay P5,111; Bindoy P33,919; Dauin P150,848; Jimalalud P11,207; La Libertad P51,506; Mabinay P48,198; Manjuyod P42,925; Pamplona P16,550; San Jose P33,831; Siaton P295,655; Sibulan P236,247; Sta. Catalina P119,561; Tayasan P21,643; Valencia P121,829; Zamboanguita P32,829; Tanjay City P154,836; and Dumaguete City with the highest share of P1,152,207.46.
PCSO Chairperson Corpuz said there are about 400 ambulances to be distributed nationwide before the year ends.
He explained the share of LGUs from lotto shares is pursuant to EO 357 approving the grant of five percent share from the 30 percent lotto charity fund in favor of LGUs where lotto tickets are sold.
Chairperson Corpuz has encouraged businessmen in Negros Oriental to apply for lotto outlets, saying that the more lotto outlets in their respective areas, the bigger the share for the LGU.
He stressed that the opening of more lotto outlets will not only increase the shares of the LGUs but will also bring business and employment.
One ambulance costs about P866,000 that is given for free to 4th, 5th and 6th class cities or municipalities, and a 60-40 percent sharing for 1st to 3rd class cities or municipalities.
He enjoined about 190 LGUs all over the country who have not availed yet of the ambulance program to submit their documents for immediate distribution.
For those who have received their units, another set of ambulances will be released to them after five years, according to Corpuz.
Corpuz also announced during the turnover ceremony that starting Nov. 15, the daily allocation for the provincial offices of the PCSO is doubled from P100,000 to P200,000, so that anybody who seeks financial and medical assistance can be given.
He stressed that his job at the PCSO is to generate funds, and that there is no limit with the funds, he said.
Gov. Roel Degamo was able to catch up with chairperson Corpuz, and took the opportunity to request for four more ambulances for use by the remaining primary hospitals in the Province.
Degamo had just arrived from an executive-legislative session in Cebu with members of the Provincial Board headed by Vice Gov. Edward Mark Macias. (PNA)