On July 11, 2023, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) marked a remarkable milestone, celebrating its 40th anniversary. The event, held at the Marriott Hotel Manila, was a chance to reminisce and celebrate the agency’s significant accomplishments over four decades, particularly its contributions to the growth and development of the nation.
PAGCOR’s journey began in 1983 with the issuance of Presidential Decree 1869, otherwise known as the PAGCOR Charter. The institution came to life under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos. Notably, President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr. was present at the commemorative event, acknowledging PAGCOR’s role as a primary revenue generator for the government and a dependable ally in promoting endeavors beneficial to Filipinos.
Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco highlighted the organization’s substantial financial contributions over the years. PAGCOR has contributed an astounding P607 billion towards nation-building, with dividend remittances since 2011 amounting to P64 billion. The total contributions come to P671 billion. Chairman Tengco noted that the organization’s total Contributions to Nation Building (CNB) reached P45 billion under President Marcos’s first year in office (July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023), with an expected rise to P70 billion by the end of the year.
In terms of legislative contributions, PAGCOR played a crucial role in the enactment of the Universal Health Care Act in 2019. The agency was earmarked as a significant source of funding, allocating 50% of its remittances to the National Treasury towards the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) for Universal Health Care (UHC).
PAGCOR’s influence extends to infrastructure developments. Partnerships with Melco Resorts (Philippines) Foundation Corporation (MRPFC) enabled the funding and equipping of the 51-bed Presidential Security Group (PSG) Station Hospital. Collaborations with the Bloomberry Foundation resulted in the establishment of the OFW Hospital in Pampanga, contributing P300 million worth of medical equipment. An additional P842.5 million was donated to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) for the refurbishment of sports facilities for the 30th Southeast Asian Games, and P350 million was given to the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City for medical equipment procurement.
PAGCOR’s future plans are focused on strengthening education and health initiatives in the country. The School Building Project will be reintroduced to mitigate classroom shortages in public schools. Other plans include building e-Libraries for remote or economically disadvantaged communities, constructing Socio-civic Centers and Community Wellness Centers throughout the country, and launching the “Bawat Buhay Mahalaga Serbisyo Caravan” to provide educational, medical, and financial aid to local government units and their constituents.
Additionally, PAGCOR plans to donate 250 Patient Transport Vehicles (PTV) to various local government units, in collaboration with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). The establishment of the Clark Multi-Specialty Medical Center in Clark, Pampanga, is another major initiative on the cards, set to cater to patients from Regions I, II, III, and Metro Manila.
The 40th anniversary event concluded with the unveiling of a new logo. The rebranded emblem represents the renewed vigor of PAGCOR as the primary gaming regulator in the Philippines. Chairman Tengco said, “The new PAGCOR logo incorporates the element of fire associated with energy, inspiration, passion, and transformation… It symbolizes the flame that ignites change and drives progress… reflects a beacon which symbolizes guidance, leadership, and direction…”
The celebration of PAGCOR’s 40 years of service is a testament to the dedication and commitment of its employees who, over four decades, have contributed to the growth and transformation of the nation. The agency remains a beacon of progress, lighting the way for the country’s future growth and prosperity.
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