PAGCOR’s Infrastructure Project Targets Education and Wellness for Remote Philippine Communities
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has announced an ambitious infrastructure initiative to support community development by constructing 1,200 classrooms, 200 eLearning centres, and multiple wellness and civic facilities across the Philippines over the next four years.
Focus on Education in Rural Areas
In collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), PAGCOR has prioritized remote towns and villages for new classrooms to support educational access in underserved communities.
“As part of our commitment to nation-building,” remarked PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco, these classrooms are intended to close gaps in educational infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.
Advancing Digital Literacy Through eLearning Centres
Alongside classroom construction, PAGCOR will fund 200 eLearning centres in urban areas, each equipped with 48 computers and a stable internet connection.
These centres aim to enhance computer literacy and online research skills, offering resources for students and local communities to keep pace with digital advancements.
Health and Wellness Centers for Broader Community Support
The project also includes building at least 100 health and wellness centres, providing essential facilities such as doctors’ offices, dental clinics, and treatment rooms.
These centres are set to improve access to healthcare services in various communities, enhancing both preventative care and treatment capabilities.
Civic Centres to Serve as Community and Emergency Hubs
Further expanding its reach, PAGCOR plans to construct 50 socio-civic centres to host social and community gatherings and serve as training venues.
These multipurpose centres will double as evacuation sites during national disasters, adding resilience to the infrastructure of vulnerable areas.
A Collective Approach to Nation-Building
Tengco emphasized the collaborative nature of the project: “We want these projects to benefit as many Filipinos as possible because we believe that laying the groundwork for a stronger nation is not the sole responsibility of the education sector, but should be a collective effort of agencies and organisations.”
Under the agreement, the DPWH will handle construction, while the DepEd will manage operations and staffing for the educational and wellness facilities.
Recent Developments in PAGCOR’s Regulatory Approach
In a recent announcement, PAGCOR also stated it would reduce its rates and fees for licensed operators, aligning its economic strategy to foster a more supportive environment for both national development projects and the jurisdiction’s gaming sector.