Wed | 6.19.2019 | 4:20 PM

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Andrea D. Domingo hands over a check worth P421M to DND Assistant Secretary for Logistics and Acquisition Jesus Rey Avilla. The grant will help finance the purchase of Forward Treatment Facilities (FTFs) for the Philippine Army. The FTFs will enable immediate medical care on site to wounded soldiers during military operations.

The Department of National Defense (DND) received much-needed financial assistance from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) after the state-gaming agency donated P421 million for the purchase of eight (8) forward treatment facilities (FTFs) for the Philippine Army.

The PAGCOR Board, led by Chairman and CEO Andrea Domingo turned over the check to DND Assistant Secretary for Logistics and Acquisition Jesus Rey Avilla last June 13, 2019 at PAGCOR’s Executive Office in Manila.

With the purchase of FTFs, the Philippine Army will soon be able to provide immediate surgical procedures for ground troops during military operations. Said facilities will also enable them to provide advanced trauma care in times of disaster relief and humanitarian missions. Each treatment unit will be composed of a mobile surgical truck, resuscitation equipment, enhanced frame type tent, and other amenities such as air-condition unit, generator set, water system, and cot beds.

Currently, the Philippine Army does not have FTFs. “Wounded soldiers still have to be brought to Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) which are stationed inside the camps of Philippine Army Division Headquarters nationwide. But FTFs are very important during combat operations,” Philippine Army Major Allan Peñaflor said.

From 2016 to 2018, the Philippine Army recorded an average of 895 soldiers wounded in action and an average of 191 killed in combat.

Meanwhile, from January 2018 up to present, the Philippine Army recorded 1,161 casualties from military operations. Of this number, 271 soldiers died because they did not immediately receive proper medical treatment.

“With the procurement of FTFs, the Philippine Army can now give immediate and necessary medical care to our troops on ground and mitigate loss of life,” Assistant Secretary Avilla explained.

According to the DND Logistics and Acquisition Office, target project completion of the purchase of FTFs is in two years.

"Nagpapasalamat po kami sa inyo dahil sinusuportahan ninyo ang Department of National Defense, particularly the Philippine Army," furthered Avilla.

Domingo cited that PAGCOR is honored to provide such necessity to the Philippine Army. "I know of one soldier who was injured and needed blood and died because of the absence of immediate medical response. He could have survived if there was an emergency facility on ground. Thus, this grant will be vital for wounded troops in military operations. So when I was asked by the President if we have funds for the forward treatment facilities, I said we do have. The funds came from our savings. This is separate from the President's Socio-Civic Projects Fund," the PAGCOR chief added.

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