PAGCOR CEO pledges continued support for Philippine armed forces

Alejandro H. Tengco made a speech to some incoming officers.

The Philippines.- Alejandro H. Tengco, chairman and chief executive officer of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), has vowed that the regulator will continue to support the armed forces by providing financial backing for infrastructure projects. He made the remarks during the Rites of Passage Ceremony of the Philippine Army Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Camp O’Donnell.

In his keynote address, PAGCOR’s CEO praised the Officer Candidate Corps and noted similarities between PAGCOR’s mandate and the Armed Forces’ mission to serve the Filipino people. Tengco mentioned the gaming regulator’s support for uniformed personnel, which includes funding for classrooms and hospitals.

He said: “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.”

Colonel Harold Cabunoc said: “OCS now produces 650 to 700 officer candidates per year, surpassing even the graduates of the Philippine Military Academy. However, the school’s 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.

“The influx of trainees highlights our urgent need for more facilities to keep up with the requirements of the Philippine Army. But through bayanihan spirit and collaboration with agencies like PAGCOR, we believe we can address these needs.”

See also: PAGCOR remits US$228m to Philippine National Treasury