Pagcor sets aside P1B for classrooms

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) has earmarked P1 billion to fund the construction of 1,000 classrooms in public elementary and secondary schools nationwide, according to its chairman and CEO Cristino Naguiat Jr.

Naguiat said that Pagcor embarked on the project, called “Matuwid na Landas sa Silid-Aralan (Straight Path in the Classroom),” in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd).

He disclosed that funding for the project was made possible by the robust performance of the agency during the first five months of 2011. Pagcor generated P3.03 billion in gross income for the month of May alone, a record high in its 25-year history, he added.

“From January to May this year alone, we were able to reduce our operating expenses by P873 million,” Naguiat said.

He added that the construction of the 1,000 classrooms was Pagcor’s biggest project ever.

“All of our contributions have been mandated by laws. One major project of Pagcor that was not required by law was only for the P100-million funding for the construction of the Manila City Hall of Justice in 2000 and 2002,” he said.

He said the projects were Pagcor’s contribution to the efforts of President Aquino to improve the quality of education in the country.

“Through this undertaking, we hope to help our government in addressing the perennial problem of classrooms shortage in the Philippines. We hope to have all 1,000 classrooms completed and operational next school year in communities where they are most needed,” he said.

The “Matuwid na Landas sa Silid-Aralan” project also plans to tap the help of non-government organizations (NGOs), which shall construct classrooms that adhere to DepEd’s standards and specifications using the Pagcor funds.

“We believe these NGOs can help us facilitate the construction of our 1,000 classrooms. They are present in various communities nationwide and they already have the experience in implementing large-scale projects,” Naguiat said.