PAGCOR Chief vows continued support for Philippine military infrastructure projects???
Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco assured the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) of continued support for its infrastructure needs during the Rites of Passage Ceremony of the Philippine Army Officer Candidate School (OCS) held at Camp ODonnell over the weekend.
In his address to the graduating Nagdilaab Class 62-2025 and the incoming Bumannawag Class 63-2025, Tengco reaffirmed PAGCORs commitment to funding essential military facilities. When we invest in the Armed Forces, we invest in peace, democracy, and national resilience, he said.
He added that PAGCORs support would remain focused on projects that benefit soldiers and their families. From classrooms to hospitals and life-changing programmes for soldiers and their loved ones C these are the investments we will continue to make.
Common values in public service
Tengco drew parallels between the roles of PAGCOR and the military, emphasising that both institutions serve the Filipino people. PAGCOR and the Officer Candidate Corps are kindred in mission. Though we operate in different spheres, we are united by a shared duty to serve the Filipinos with integrity, courage, and dedication, he said.
He further described the Rites of Passage not only as a ceremonial transfer of leadership but also as a symbolic moment of assuming greater responsibility. Today is not just about the passing of the torch; it is also handing over purpose and trust along with the sacred oath to serve our nation with honour, courage, and integrity, the PAGCOR Chairman told the cadets.
Infrastructure strain faced
Col. Harold Cabunoc, Commandant of the OCS, expressed gratitude for Tengcos presence and support, noting that the institutions facilities are no longer sufficient to meet current demands. OCS now produces 650 to 700 officer candidates per year, surpassing even the graduates of the Philippine Military Academy, Cabunoc said. However, the schools infrastructure has yet to keep pace. Our barracks were built for 400 students but are now housing 600, and some rooms meant for four are occupied by six.
Cabunoc said the schools situation reflects a pressing need for additional infrastructure and that support from PAGCOR is vital. The influx of trainees highlights our urgent need for more facilities to keep up with the requirements of the Philippine Army, he said. But through bayanihan spirit and collaboration with agencies like PAGCOR, we believe we can address these needs.
Among the proposed projects for PAGCOR funding are a new auditorium, a fitness gym, and two additional barracks capable of accommodating 400 more cadets.
Strengthened financial backing for national development
The renewed promise of support for military infrastructure follows PAGCORs recent remittance of PHP12.67 billion ($227.2 million) in dividends to the National Treasury. This amount represents 75 percent of PAGCORs net income for 2024, well above the mandated 50 percent required under Republic Act No. 7656.
PAGCORs contributions help fund infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other social services, according to Deputy National Treasurer Eduardo Anthony Mari?o, who received the dividend cheque.
In the first quarter of 2025, PAGCOR reported total revenues of PHP28.07 billion ($503.8 million), with a 23 percent year-on-year increase in net income. It also achieved a 15.54 percent reduction in operating expenses. Contributions to nation-building rose to PHP18.9 billion ($339.8 million), further demonstrating PAGCORs growing role in public service.
