PAGCOR Pushes A New Paradigm In Its Socio-Civic Projects

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (PAGCOR) Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco has unveiled a paradigm shift in the gaming agency's socio-civic projects, promising to deliver the kind of service long sought by the public.

Tengco’s approach is not just about responding to problems—it is about anticipating, innovating, and leading. I Photo: Senate of the Philippines Facebook

Set to launch this year, the groundbreaking initiative demonstrates that the bureaucracy has been transformed into a cornerstone of governance—serving as a conduit for progress rather than a roadblock.

In a candid discussion with journalists, Tengco introduced what can be considered a masterstroke in addressing systemic issues that have long plagued the bureaucracy.

This year, PAGCOR is launching bold, forward-thinking initiatives that will reshape the gaming agency’s role, effectively rewriting the rules of engagement.

It will tackle pressing issues such as classroom shortages, digital disparities, inadequate healthcare, and the lack of civic spaces—engineering a vision of governance that is agile, responsive, and deeply attuned to the needs of the people.

A New Approach to Education

For decades, classroom shortages have been an Achilles’ heel of public education, forcing students into overcrowded, suboptimal learning environments.

Where others see constraints, Tengco envisions possibilities. Instead of offering piecemeal solutions, he is introducing a transformative approach: a scalable model of school infrastructure that adapts to the evolving needs of communities.

Beyond mere infrastructure, Tengco ensures that these schools are equipped with amenities that prioritize dignity, comfort, and accessibility for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Every classroom becomes a vessel of opportunity, every corridor a pathway to empowerment.

In this vision, education is not just about imparting knowledge—it’s about cultivating environments that inspire ambition, curiosity, and boundless potential. To achieve this, PAGCOR has partnered with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Education (DepEd).

Bridging the Digital Divide

Another key focus of PAGCOR’s socio-civic efforts is the establishment of state-of-the-art E-learning centers—technological sanctuaries designed to bridge the digital divide and democratize knowledge.

Each center, equipped with 48 high-tech workstations, will function as both an E-library and an IT laboratory, seamlessly integrating education and technology.

“Forty-eight workstations. High-speed internet. Air-conditioned spaces. Satellite links. These are more than just rooms with computers—they are hubs of possibility,” Tengco stated.

He emphasized that these centers could also serve as IT classrooms, transforming access to information into access to the future.

Revolutionizing Healthcare

The third pillar of PAGCOR’s socio-civic initiatives is the establishment of wellness centers—integrated healthcare hubs designed to revolutionize rural medicine.

These centers will not merely be extensions of existing rural health units; they will function as holistic health ecosystems, offering preventive care, wellness programs, and specialized medical services.

By leveraging strategic partnerships with medical institutions and telehealth providers, PAGCOR aims to ensure that medical expertise is not confined to urban hospitals but is accessible within every community.

This initiative is not just an investment in healthcare—it is an investment in human capital, longevity, and the fundamental right to a healthy life.

Creating Spaces for Civic Engagement

The fourth pillar of Tengco’s socio-civic strategy is the construction of multifunctional socio-civic centers that transcend traditional infrastructure.

These spaces will not simply serve as gathering places; they will be incubators of progress—venues where dialogue flourishes, partnerships are forged, and civic engagement is redefined.

Equipped with basketball courts for recreation, seminar rooms for intellectual discourse, and event halls for celebrations, these hubs will serve as the beating heart of communities.

They will be places where ideas take root, where leaders emerge, and where the spirit of collective action is nurtured. By integrating education, social interaction, and recreation into a single facility, Tengco is engineering spaces that foster connection, unity, and progress.

A Visionary Leader at the Helm

Tengco’s leadership at PAGCOR is driven by visionary governance. His determination to rid the gaming industry of anti-money laundering issues led to the Philippines' removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) gray list.

Now, he is focused on ensuring that strict compliance measures remain in place—an achievement that could attract long-awaited foreign investments.

What sets Tengco apart is his willingness to challenge convention. In his discussion with journalists at PAGCOR’s headquarters, he addressed the need to move beyond outdated solutions.

He specifically pointed out why PAGCOR decided to discontinue building evacuation centers, noting that people often associate them with displacement and hardship.

Instead, the agency has pivoted toward more innovative socio-civic projects that directly enhance public welfare.

Tengco’s approach is not just about responding to problems—it is about anticipating, innovating, and leading. His ability to listen, question, and engage in meaningful discussions with various stakeholders underscores his exemplary leadership.

During his talk with journalists, he asked rhetorically, “Would the public allow the LTFRB to own taxis?”—a pointed reference to PAGCOR’s plan to divest from its Casino Filipino brand. This ability to question the status quo and seek feedback is key to his success.

Redefining Public Service

Tengco is fully aware that perception shapes strategy. His priorities are clear:

Flexible school designs – One-story structures for small populations, two-story for growing communities, and three-story for high-density areas.

E-learning centers – 48 workstations, high-speed internet, air-conditioned spaces, and satellite connectivity.

Wellness centers – Rural healthcare hubs offering preventive and specialized medical services.

Socio-civic centers – Spaces for community engagement, complete with basketball courts, seminar rooms, and event halls.

At a time when bureaucracy is often equated with inertia, Tengco proves that transparency leads to results. His leadership at PAGCOR is not just changing how government operates—it is redefining what it means to serve.

This year, PAGCOR is not just building structures—it is building the future.