By Brian Campued
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) on Thursday turned over five portable X-ray machines to the Philippine Navy (PN), which is expected to boost its medical readiness and capability.
During the handover ceremony at the PN headquarters in Manila, PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles underscored their commitment to supporting institutions that serve the people.
“At PCSO, every peso has a purpose. We are prioritizing partnerships that save lives in remote areas,” Robles said as quoted in a press release.
The PCSO chief also stressed that the cutting-edge X-ray units, funded under the Medical Equipment Donation Program, would ensure sailors and marines’ access to “top-tier diagnostics even in the middle of the ocean.”
“These units aren’t just gadgets; they are lifesavers designed to go wherever the Navy goes—from remote outposts to the middle of the sea,” he said.
Each of the 2.4-kg portable X-ray units is battery-powered and has built-in artificial intelligence, designed for use aboard vessels, especially during emergency situations at sea to quickly diagnose injuries or illnesses.
PN’s Flag Officer In Command (FOIC), Vice Adm. Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta noted that the equipment will be used in the Navy’s military treatment facilities to enhance their disaster response and combat casualty care capabilities.
“On behalf of the entire Philippine Navy, we wish to express our immense gratitude to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office for handing us over of five portable X-ray machines. This equipment is both crucial and timely as we enhance our medical facilities for the benefit of our military personnel and their dependents,” Ezpeleta said.
“Partnerships like this remind us that public service is a shared work and your proactive engagement reflects a deeper understanding of our complementary roles as nation builders,” he added.
-jpv
