Philippines gaming regulator PAGCOR has committed Php120 million (US$2.2 million) to support the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) socio-civic initiatives, specifically in support of the poor.
At a signing ceremony on Tuesday, Vice President Sara Duterte witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco and OVP Chief of Staff Atty. Zuleika Lopez. The MOA stated PAGCOR’s commitment to release the Php120 million financial grant in four tranches – or Php30 million per quarter – to support the OVP’s medical and burial assistance programs nationwide.
According to PAGCOR, the OVP had requested supplemental funding due to numerous calls for financial aid from its recently established satellite offices in different parts of the country.
Mr Tengco said one of PAGCOR’s major Corporate Social Responsibility programs is providing assistance to worthy socio-civic causes.
“We’re honored to be a part of the OVP’s efforts to address the medical and financial needs of Filipinos who are in dire situations,” he said. “Through this grant, we hope that more people who approach the OVP for help will be given aid.”
The funds will primarily be used to help those in need settle hospital bills, buy medicine and undergo all manner of medical treatments and procedures.