Philippines gaming regulator PAGCOR has partnered with the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) in what it describes as a key step in its efforts to privatize its casino operations arm.
According to details announced Tuesday, the regulator tapped DAP’s technical assistance to comply with the requirements of the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) in the implementation of its Compensation and Position Classification System, (CPCS) which is needed prior to privatization.
“We thank the Development Academy of the Philippines for being a prime mover of competency building in government,” said PAGCOR Chairman and CEO, Alejandro Tengco. “We need their help to comply with the (documentary) requirements of the GCG and in our efforts to eventually implement the CPCS that our employees have been eagerly waiting for.”
Tengco said he also wants to engage DAP in the facilitation and conduct of training for PAGCOR officers and employees to enhance their skills and competencies.
DAP President and CEO Atty. Engelbert Caronan Jr said his organization would now help implement organizational changes that would be beneficial to the state gaming firm’s workforce.
“We would like to thank PAGCOR for their trust and confidence in this partnership; we are ready to provide the necessary technical services to make the agency GCG-compliant and help it carry out its reorganization efforts,” he said.
PAGCOR describes DAP as a government-owned and controlled corporation mandated to assist agencies and local government units in their development efforts by acting as a change catalyst and as capacity builder.
It helps facilitate the shaping of new government policies, crafting development programs and modernizing the management structure of government agencies and private enterprises alike.
Tengco told attendees of the IAG Academy Summit at Manila’s Newport World Resorts last week that looking after PAGCOR’s near-10,000 strong workforce was an important consideration during the privatization process.
“We have been going around the country during the past few months, holding town hall meetings with our employees,” he said. “We tell them there is no reason to worry because we have plans in place to mitigate, if not totally avoid, any personnel displacement.
“You will be surprised to know how people react to our plans, and how they express their trust in our process.”
