Key points:
- PAGCOR inaugurated two Php50m socio-civic centres in disaster-prone areas of Maragusan and New Bataan
- The facilities will serve as emergency shelters and venues for socio-economic programs
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has inaugurated two socio-civic centres in Maragusan and New Bataan, mountainside towns frequently impacted by natural disasters.
Each facility, funded with a Php50m ($863,000) from PAGCOR, is designed to serve as an emergency shelter and community activity venue.
Maragusan, home to approximately 65,000 residents and prone to landslides, has long relied on public schools for emergency evacuations.
The new centre will provide a dedicated safe space, preventing classroom disruptions during calamities.
Former Maragusan Mayor Maricel Vendiola, who initiated the project in 2022, emphasised the importance of the new facility, stating: "This facility is a significant help to the locals who need to evacuate their homes during disaster situations.
“Classes in public schools will no longer be interrupted; at the same time, this structure will serve as a venue for promoting our local government’s projects and activities.”
Current Maragusan Mayor Angelito Cabalquinto echoed these sentiments, stating: "I am very excited to utilise this facility for our economic and livelihood programs. This will also help our local government generate additional revenues for our operations.”
Good to know: To date, PAGCOR has completed 43 socio-civic centres across the country, with 29 more nearing completion
In New Bataan, where heavy flooding and landslides are also common, Mayor Geraldford Balbin expressed gratitude for the new facility, calling it the fulfilment of a long-standing community need.
Balbin praised its durability, noting that it withstood a strong earthquake during construction without any damage.
In related news, PAGCOR also announced two days ago that it is set to close underperforming casino sites in Cebu and Davao – a decision that was made in response to sustained financial losses at both venues.