Key points:
- 1,200 classrooms and 200 eLearning centres will be constructed as part of the project
- 100 health and wellbeing facilities will also be built to improve healthcare in poorer communities
- 50 multi-purpose halls are part of the last leg of the project but can be used for teaching or disaster relief centres
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has launched its flagship infrastructure project, which aims to build at least 1,200 classrooms over the next four years.
The project will be undertaken alongside the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), all of which signed a Joint Memorandum Circular on the matter.
Towns and villages in remote communities will be prioritised for classrooms “as part of our commitment to nation-building,” said Alejandro Tengco, Chairman and CEO of PAGCOR.
In addition to the classrooms, 200 eLearning centres will be built in the cities, which will have 48 computers each.
These will have a stable internet connection which can be used for online research and computer literacy courses.
Tengco continued: “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.”
Good to know: In July 2024, the FY2023 results revealed that PACGOR received P 73bn ($1.3bn) in income from licences, taxes and games
Under the memorandum circular, the DPWH will undertake the construction of the flagship projects, while the DepEd will administer the schools and eLearning centres, including providing teachers and other personnel.
Another leg of the initiative will see at least 100 health and wellness centres built, which will have doctors’ offices and consultation rooms, dental clinics, vaccination rooms and treatment rooms.
A total of 50 socio-civic centres will also be built. These can be used as seminar and training venues as well as for hosting social and community gatherings, but also as evacuation and emergency centres during national disasters.
Quite recently, PAGCOR announced that it would lower its rates and fees for operators in the jurisdiction.
