The charitable arm of Melco Resorts & Entertainment’s Philippines integrated resort, City of Dreams Manila, has fully funded a new Php1.2 billion (US$24 million) state-of-the-art hospital at Malacañang Palace to be used by the Presidential Security Group (PSG)
The 51-bed hospital, which was inaugurated by Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, is designed to ensure the PSG – a protection agency providing security to the President, Vice President, their immediate families and former Presidents and Vice Presidents of the Philippines – has access to high-level medical services.
It was both conceptualized and funded by Melco Resorts (Philippines) Foundation Corporation (MRP Foundation), including the procurement of medical equipment.
Gaming regulator PAGCOR, which chipped in another Php89 million (US$1.8 million) for equipment, said Manila’s IR operators had been specifically asked to focus their charitable efforts on the construction of hospitals in line with the government’s measures to improve the country’s healthcare system.
“Our country needs a better healthcare system for the Filipinos,” said PAGCOR CEO and Chairman Andrea Domingo. “Hence, we enjoined our casino licensees – through their Foundations – to prioritize putting up medical facilities that will cater to various sectors of society.”
Another three more hospitals are being built with the support of operators including the OFW Hospital in San Fernando, Pampanga and the first local hospital in San Andres, Quezon. Both facilities are being funded by the Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc, the charitable arm of Solaire Resort and Casino’s parent firm, while a modern medical center for police officers and their families at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City is being funded by the Resorts World Philippines Cultural Heritage Foundation.
“We are beyond grateful that our licensees eagerly support our noble goal of helping the government uplift the quality of healthcare services for our countrymen,” Domingo said.
