Manila, Sept. 2 -- The Department of Health (DOH) Ilocos Region has turned over three brand-new ambulances to Pangasinan local government units.

The DOH regional office said these were given to Alaminos City and the towns of Agno and Mapandan to augment their emergency response capabilities.

"The ambulances, equipped with life-saving facilities, will serve as lifelines on wheels for communities, especially in far-flung towns where quick access to hospitals is often a challenge," DOH-Ilocos Director Paula Paz Sydiongco said in a statement on Tuesday.

"In times of emergency, every minute counts. With the new ambulances, there is an assurance of help in times of need."

The three units will be used for patient transport, emergency rescue ...