PAGCOR CHIEF VOWS CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR MILITARY INFRA PROJECTS

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman Alejandro H. Tengco said the state gaming firm will continue supporting infrastructure projects for the Armed Forces of the Philippines to help the military cope with emerging challenges.

Mr. Tengco made the promise over the weekend when he graced the traditional Rites of Passage Ceremony of the Philippine Army Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Camp O’Donnell here.

In his keynote address, Chairman Tengco commended the Officer Candidate Corps for its dedication and sacrifice, and noted that, “when we invest in the Armed Forces, we invest in peace, democracy, and national resilience”.

Addressing the graduating “Nagdilaab” Class 62-2025 and the incoming seniors of “Bumannawag” Class 63-2025, Mr. Tengco noted the similarities between PAGCOR’s mandate and the mission of the AFP to serve the Filipino people.

“PAGCOR and the Officer Candidate Corps are kindred in mission,” he said. “Though we operate in different spheres, we are united by a shared duty to serve the Filipinos with integrity, courage, and dedication.”

He also underscored the state gaming agency’s support for uniformed personnel – from funding classrooms to building hospitals and other life-changing programs that benefit soldiers and their loved ones.

Mr. Tengco also noted that the Rites of Passage ceremony marks not only a symbolic transfer of leadership in the Army OCS but also a renewed sense of responsibility and purpose in serving the country.

“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 honor, courage and integrity,” he said.

OCS Commandant Col. Harold Cabunoc for his part thanked the PAGCOR chief for attending the Rites of Passage and for Mr. Tengco’s commitment to support their priority projects.

While details of PAGCOR’s support has yet to be finalized, Cabunoc said they need more facilities because the implementation of the Army’s One Training Factory concept means officer candidates from all over the country are flocking to Camp O’Donnell.

“OCS now produces 650 to 700 officer candidates per year, surpassing even the graduates of the Philippine Military Academy,” he said.

“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,” he said. “But through bayanihan spirit and collaboration with agencies like PAGCOR, we believe we can address these needs.”

Among the projects proposed by OCS for PAGCOR’s support are the construction of an auditorium, a fitness gym and two new barracks that can accommodate an additional 400 cadets.