President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday highlighted the important role of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) in nation-building.
“Pagcor has made an indelible mark in our society with its undeniable contribution to nation-building,” Marcos said during the celebration of the 40th anniversary of Pagcor held at the Marriott Hotel Manila.
He said Pagcor played a crucial role in drawing in more tourists and in generating not only jobs but also revenues.
The state-run gaming and regulatory firm, he noted, has also helped in the development of the country’s sports sector by providing support to athletes and coaches.
“It is my hope that this anniversary will inspire you to continue setting new standards and keep being at the forefront of an industry that is not only financially successful, but also socially impactful and most importantly socially relevant,” Marcos said.
Pagcor Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said the agency is determined to continue the said initiatives by generating more government revenues.
Since 1983, he said Pagcor had contributed over P607 billion to nation-building. It has also remitted P64 billion in dividends to the national government since 2011.
From July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023, he said Pagcor already generated P45 billion, which is expected to reach P70 billion by the end of the year.
To mark their 40th anniversary, Pagcor also launched its new logo last Tuesday.
“All these taken together, our new logo reflects Pagcor’s long-standing commitment of being a guiding force that illuminates the way forward, drives transformation and development, and brings inspiration and motivation to the lives it touches,” Tengco said.
Under the current administration, Tengco said Pagcor will channel its resources to the promotion of education and health in the country.
The agency will re-launch its School Building Project to help address classroom shortage in public schools nationwide. It will also build e-Libraries to provide learners from remote or depressed communities with an environment that is conducive for e-learning and online research.
“Also in the pipeline are Socio-civic Centers and Community Wellness Centers to be built in different parts of the country,” Tengco said.
The agency will likewise be launching the “Bawat Buhay Mahalaga Serbisyo Caravan” which will focus on the distribution of educational, medical and financial assistance, among others, to various local government units and their citizens.