Grade 1 pupil Stephanie Talanay, who was born with no arms, is one of thousands of undernourished public school children who received free nutritious meals from PAGCOR’s Feeding Program. Like many students in government-subsidized schools, she could not get enough nutrition due to poverty.

But through the state-owned gaming firm’s regular Feeding Program, Stephanie and close to 10,000 undernourished school children from 186 public schools nationwide were able to win the battle against malnutrition.

During their final weigh-in last March, students like Stephanie – who were under 15 kilograms – reached 18 kilograms, the ideal weight for seven-year-old children.

PAGCOR allocates P40 million annually to address the needs of undernourished public school students. Each student from schools in Metro Manila And the provinces receive a daily meal allocation of P40 and P30 per meal per day, respectively. For the coming school year, PAGCOR increased the allocation to P45 million in order to have more beneficiaries.

The Feeding Program was carried out by PAGCOR in response to the pressing need to improve the health and nutrition of school children from the poorest public schools.

Based on a report released last August 2012 by the Department of Education (DepEd), a total of 562,262 pupils in kindergarten and elementary levels enrolled in public schools have been classified as “severely wasted” or undernourished. However, the DepEd’s Health and Nutrition Center (HNC) reported that it could only feed 42,372 or 7.54 percent of the identified severely malnourished pupils in 1,010 public elementary schools form 28 provinces.

Jaylord Lozano, a ten-year-old student of Damñas Elementary School in Digos CIty, Davao del Sur began attending the PAGCOR feeding program in their school in October 2012. After a few months, Lozano gained four kilograms and now weighs 26 kilograms. The ideal weight for 10-year-old kids is 24.5 to 47 kilograms, depending on their height.

Jaylord shared that he is now more energetic, and his grades were higher. “Salamat sa pagtulong sa kabataan. Binigyan kami ng libreng pagkain araw-araw. Ngayon pa lang kami nakakain ng ganito, na masarap,” Lozano said. The daily menu for students consists of vegetables, meat or fish, rice and fruits.

Meantime, Marilou Sales, principal of the Gabaldon Elementary School in Laoag, Ilocos Norte which is also a beneficiary of the PAGCOR feeding program, underscored the importance of proper nutrition among school children. “Kapag ang bata ay hindi kumakain nang sapat, walang nutrisyon, apektado ang kanilang pag-aaral. Mababa ang kanilang grades, hindi nakakabasa nang maayos at kadalasan sila yung hindi nakakapasok sa school,” she added.

According to her, most undernourished children come from the poorest families whose parents do not earn enough to provide the basic needs for their children. Sales noted their dropouts are children whose parents decide to stop sending them to school due to severe poverty.

Sales said their school achieved zero dropout rate when PAGCOR selected their students as beneficiaries of the feeding program. “Malaki ang pasasalamat namin sa biyayang ito dahil ang supplementary feeding program ninyo dito sa school namin ay nakakatulong nang malaki. Yung mga bata nakikita ko na sila ay naeengganyong kumain at mag-aral. Sa ngayon, wala na kaming mga dropouts dahil sa tulong ng PAGCOR,” she said.

The sport was intially intended to relieve Julius of emotional pain. The game eventually became a passion for the young boy from Dipolog City. Now 12 years old, Julius says the game of football has taught him the importance of hard work, discipline and self-worth.

Because of his talent and love for the game, Julius was granted a high school athletic scholarship by the De La Salle Dipolog. “Dahil sa football, makakapagtapos ako ng high school sa magandang paaralan. Malaking tulong ito sa aking pamilya dahil umaasa lang kami sa tulong ng mga kamag-anak namin at sa pagbenta ng camote-que para matustusan ang pag-aaral namin at pang araw-araw na pamumuhay,” he shared.

Julius is now one of the nearly 60,000 football enthusiasts from all over the country who signed up for the Kasibulan Grassroots Football Program, a Philippine Football Federation (PFF) initiative which aims to develop Filipino football talents aged six to 12. The Kasibulan project received a P20 million funding from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) when it was launched in February 2012. The PFF recently organized the first PAGCOR-funded Regional Festival of Football (FOF) for 2013 to serve as a training pool for the country’s best football player aged six to 12.

Search for world-class football players

Coach Norben Patangan shared that through the nationwide football festivals, the PFF will pick 21 young football players who will make it to the national team that will represent the country in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) 2014 Championship U14 qualifier in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar on May 28. The national team will test their skills against other teams from Myanmar, Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste.

“Ang FOF ay nagsisibling training pool ng mga kabataan mula sa iba’t ibang parte ng bansa. Ang mga batang nandito ngayon ay ang pinakamagagaling sa rehiyon nila. These kids will be screened to know who we can possibly include in our national football team. Of course, these football festivals also help train all the kids who enlisted for the program,” Patangan explained.

A series of football festivals were held during the first quarter of 2013 in Davao, Camarines Sur, Negros Occidental, Tarlac, North Cotobato, Dipolog and Cagayan de Oro. Apart from skills assessment and training, the participants also played a seried of small-sided matches under the guidance of their mentors.

According to Patangan, the 2,195-strong Dipolog Football Assosciation of Zamboanga del Norte has the largest number of participants in the Kasibulan Program.

Bright future for promising sportsmen

Patangan – who is also Julius’ coach – is happy that children specially those from less privileged families are given better opportunities through grassroots sports development programs like Kasibulan.

“Tuloy-tuloy na ito towards ‘Project 2019′.  This summer, nagagamit na namin ang mga tulong ng bigay ng PAGCOR. Lahat ng karunungan na naibigay natin sa mga bata through the PAGCOR-sponsored Grassroots Development Officer Training Course, which all Kasibulan coaches have undergone, ay nagagamit na rin namin,” Patangan added.

The Program is also a step towards realizing PFF’s ultimate goal of developing world-class Filipino football talents capable of competing globally.

“Nais natin makakuha ng talento mula sa grassroots na tubong Pilipino talaga. Football is one of the fast-rising sports in the country. Nakita natin na malaki ang ipinagbago nito simula noong makilala ang Azkals. The mission of PFF is to produce homegrown Filipino talents,” Patangan cited.

“Right after the PAGCOR-initiated conference in Cebu. everyone saw what this project is all about. I am very thankful to PAGCOR for sponsoring this project. Hopefully in the future, madami pang mga bata ang mabiyayaan ng project na ito,” he said.

Popular celebrities Duncan Ramos and Tessa Prieto-Valdes recently had this rare opportunity after they won in the exciting Casino Filipino Slot Machine Celebrity Challenge during the recent opening of the Lancaster Slot Machine Arcade.

Ramos and Valdes bested other well-known personalities in the fun event, in the process winning P100,000 each for their chosen charitable institutions.

Casino Filipino Heritage Marketing and Entertainment Head Joel Panganiban congratulates Southborder band front man Duncan Ramos after winning in the recently-concluded Slot Machine Celebrity Charity Challenge held at the Lancaster Slot Machine Arcade.

Socialite Tessa Prieto-Valdes celebrates her victory in the Slot Machine Celebrity Charity Challenge held at the Lancaster Slot Machine Arcade. With her in photo are (2nd from left) PAGCOR Slot Machine Department Assistant Vice President Eduardo de Guzman and Senior Slot Machine Head Jacinto Gutierrez.

Ramos, a lead vocalist for Southborder band, chose to donate his prize to Project Brave Kids – an institution that provides medical assistance to indigent children stricken with cancer.

Both celebrities were spotted early this year during the official turn-over of their tournament winnings to their chosen beneficiary-institutions.

Ramos graced the turn-over of financial aid to the Cancer and Hematology Center of the Philippine Children’s Medical Center in Quezon City. He said he felt a great sense of fulfillment for being able to contribute to Project Brave Kids’ noble effort to help children who cannot afford the costly treatment of cancer.

SOUTHBORDER band vocalist Duncan Ramos hands a mock cheque for P100,000 to Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) Cancer and Hematology Center Chairperson Eustacia Rigor (2nd from left) and Project Brave Kids Co-Founder Sigrid Perez (3rd from left). The amount represented Ramos’ donation to the institution after winning in the recently-concluded Slot Machine Celebrity Charity Challenge held at the Lancaster Slot Machine Arcade. Also in photo is PCMC Cancer and Hematology Center Consultant Michelle Rodriguez.

“It’s not every day that you can play to enjoy and help at the same time so the experience of winning for my chosen institution was a very special experience.  I picked Project Brave Kids as my beneficiary kasi malapit sa puso ko ang mga bata dahil may anak ako.  I hope this little help that I gave the institution will go a long way in their endeavor to assist more poor kids afflicted with cancer,” Ramos explained.

Project Brave Kids’ co-founder Sigrid Perez said the cash donated by Ramos through the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) will be used to fund the chemotherapy sessions of children whose parents could hardly spend for the series of costly treatments.

“We know how expensive chemotherapy is, so we would like to thank Duncan for choosing us as his beneficiary.  Dahil sa donation na ito, mas marami pa kaming mahihirap na batang matutulungan.”

Tessa Prieto-Valdes is flanked by representatives from the PAGCOR Entertainment Department and officers of Philippine Red Cross Makati City Branch during the turnover of her P100,000 donation to the Philippine Red Cross Makati Chapter. The Philippine Red Cross was Valdes’ chosen charity to receive the cash prize she won in the recently-concluded Slot Machine Celebrity Charity Challenge tournament held at the Lancaster Slot Machine Arcade.

Socialite Tess Prieto-Valdes meanwhile selected the Philippine Red Cross Makati Chapter as recipient of her slot machine tournament winnings.

“I’ve always been a supporter of the Philippine Red Cross, so I never had second thoughts about picking it as my beneficiary when I won in the Slot Machine Celebrity Challenge.  I hope, PAGCOR can do such a fun event again so more people and institutions could benefit from it,” Valdes said.

(left photo) Prior to its rehabilitation, the Estero de Paco was overflowing with tons of garbage. The second photo (right) – taken on January 17, 2013 after the rehabilitation of the creek – shows the same spot as the first, highlighting the vast improvements done to rehabilitate the waterway using PAGCOR’s P20 million donation for the “Kapit Bisig para sa Ilog Pasig” project spearheaded by ABS-CBN Foundation. (Photos courtesy of ABS-CBN Foundation’s KBPIP)

Economic growth may be a credible gauge in determining a nation’s development. However, it is also important to ensure that as a country grows, the environment is also preserved and kept healthy.

This is the thrust of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) when it provided a P20 million funding for the rehabilitation of the Estero de Paco in Manila under the Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig (KBPIP) project of the ABS-CBN Foundation.

“In all countries, the river plays a great importance in development. If our rivers are not clean, our progress will not be so pronounced,” said PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Cristino Naguiat, Jr.

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and CEO CristinoNaguiat, Jr. and ABS-CBN Foundation Managing Director Regina Paz Lopez, together with other executives of PAGCOR and River Warrior volunteers tour the newly rehabilitated Estero de Paco on January 18, 2013. PAGCOR donated P20 million to ABS-CBN Foundation in 2010 for the rehabilitation of Estero de Paco and the nearby Paco Market.

By virtue of a memorandum of agreement signed by Chairman Naguiat and KBPIP Managing Director Regina Paz Lopez, the state-owned gaming firm donated P20 million for the KBPIP’s pilot project which is the rehabilitation of the Estero de Paco.

“The financial aid for the rehabilitation of the Estero de Paco is part of PAGCOR’s advocacy on the preservation of our environment. This is our agency’s way of helping restore the Pasig River which is regarded as one of our country’s historical landmarks,” the PAGCOR Chief said.

Executives from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the ABS-CBN Foundation led the unveiling of the marker commemorating the partnership between the ABS-CBN Foundation and the state-owned gaming firm. PAGCOR donated P20 million in financial aid to ABS-CBN Foundation for the rehabilitation of Estero de Paco and the nearby Paco Market.

Nearly three years after the MOA signing in 2010, the product of this partnership can now be enjoyed by the local residents and tourists in the area.

After the rehabilitation, various plants have replaced the shanties of illegal settlers and tons of garbage. A clean walkway was also built along both sides of the creek’s banks wherein residents and tourists may take a leisurely stroll.

Aside from the physical and aesthetic improvements of their surroundings, residents living along the creek noted some more significant developments in their lives.

In a survey, 85 percent of the residents said that since the clean-up of the estero, they have lower monthly medical expenses and 89 percent said that they feel safer due to the lower crime rate. At least 97 percent of residents also said they feel greater life satisfaction after the rehabilitation of the Estero de Paco.

Last January 18, 2013, a marker along the rehabilitated Estero de Paco was unveiled to the public as a testament to the partnership between PAGCOR and ABS-CBN Foundation to help bring the Pasig River back to life.

The event was attended by Chairman Naguiat together with PAGCOR President and COO Jorge Sarmiento, Assistant VP for Community Relations Henry Reyes, Assistant VP for Corporate Communications Maricar Bautista and Senior Executive Liaison Officer Ramon Stephen Villaflor.

Taken in 2010 before the the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and ABS-CBN Foundation undertook the challenge of reviving the Estero de Paco, the photo shows the massive amount of garbage and the shanties of illegal settlers that used to reside along the estero.

The photo was taken on January 17, 2013 and clearly shows the stark difference and vast improvements done to rehabilitate the waterway. (Photos courtesy of ABS-CBN Foundation’s KBPIP)

82-year old Vicente Simolaba said he and his fellow residents in St. Mary’s Home for the Aged Foundation, Inc. find joy whenever people come to visit them. “Our home is far from the city proper, about 20 kilometers. The road here is bumpy and rough that is why only few outsiders come to see us,” he narrated.

Lolo Vicente has been residing in St. Mary’s Home for the Aged for five years now. When he reached his retirement age after 39 years of teaching at the Bacolod City National High School, he did not go back to his hometown in San Joaquin, Iloilo to live with his relatives. Instead, he preferred to stay in Bacolod City and be with the other elders at St. Mary’s Home.

Lolo Vicente shared he finds fulfillment staying in the foundation. Even though he never married and has no family to call his own, St. Mary’s gave him a loving home that makes his stay there very happy and peaceful.

According to Lolo Vicente, donors are the lifeblood of St. Mary’s. “We have our daily meals because of the donations from kind-hearted benefactors. For as long as we have donors, there will always be supplies for our daily needs,” he said.

He was very happy that PAGCOR picked their institution as one of its Pamaskong Handog beneficiaries this year, making their Christmas different and much happier. “Minsan kasi dumadaan lang ang Pasko na parang ordinaryong araw lang, walang gathering o Christmas party. Kaya masaya kami na kahit hindi pa Pasko, nakatanggap na kami ng regalo,” Lolo Vicente shared.

On the 11^th day of its “Bayanihan: Pamaskong Handog 2012”, PAGCOR gave an early Christmas party to the 59 elderly residents of St. Mary’s Home for the Aged Foundation, Inc. and St. Vincent’s Home. The event was held at the Amphitheater of Casino Filipino Bacolod.

Each beneficiary received Christmas gift packs containing various goodies. They were also entertained by special numbers from Casino Filipino Bacolod employees.

The state-owned gaming firm also fulfilled the wish list of the two institutions.

St. Mary’s received 22 pillows, 22 pillow cases, 5 desk fans, 1 karaoke magic sing, 12 monoblock tables, 3 rechargeable camping lights, 1 megaphone, 2 BP apparatuses, 2 nebulizers, 4 four-layered plastic drawers, 1 portable typewriter, 24 monoblock chairs, 24 plastic food trays, 24 coffee mugs, 3 pots, and 3 kettles. Apart from the gifts, PAGCOR is also repairing the dilapidated doors, roofs and windows of the institution’s 17-year old building.

Meanwhile, St. Vincent’s received a computer set with printer, 24 monoblock chairs, DVD player, fax machine, karaoke magic sing, portable pressure washer, steel filing cabinet, 3 plastic rectangular tables, water dispenser, 2 portable water heaters and a 22” LCD TV. PAGCOR will also repair and repaint St. Vincent’s clinic and rehabilitation center, their recreation and working area, comfort rooms, male infirmary, Marian Hall and function rooms.

Sister Susan Advincula who is the administrator of St. Vincent’s Home expressed her gratitude to PAGCOR for helping the elderly residents of their institution. “St. Vincent’s has been the haven of hope for older citizens of our society, those who have been abandoned or forsaken by their own families, those needing care and support. We especially thank the PAGCOR management and employees for the help that they generously extended to us, for our lolos and lolas. Your help made them feel appreciated and loved. May God reward you a hundredfold. In behalf of St. Vincent’s family, we thank you and advance Merry Christmas!”

PAGCOR also remembered the blind folks under the care of the Association of Home for the Blind Residents in Mansilingan, Bacolod City. The 34 beneficiaries received Christmas gift packs. The institution was also given a computer set with printer, 2 units of banduria, canapy tent, monoblock chairs, DVD player, guitar, harmonica, karaoke magic sing, relaxing chair with armrest, cellular phone and ceiling fan.

PAGCOR will also be funding the construction of the Association of Home for the Blind’s new office and the repainting and repair of their stage ceiling.

President of Home for the Blind Guillermo Atillano said they are thankful that PAGCOR employees did not close their eyes to aid blind people like them. “Nagpapasalamat kami, mula sa Home for the Blind na kahit ito yung sitwasyon namin, may tumutulong pa sa amin tulad ng PAGCOR,” he expressed.

On the 11^th day of its “Bayanihan: Pamaskong Handog ng PAGCOR 2012” on December 10, 2012, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation gifted Florenda and 349 other poor individuals under the care of the Foundation a truly memorable Christmas by providing them with early Yuletide presents.

“Napakasuwerte ko nang maituturing ang sarili ko dahil bukod sa tulong na naibibigay sa akin ng Rise Above Foundation ay nakatanggap pa ako ng regalo galing sa mga sumusuportang organisasyon sa kanila gaya ng PAGCOR.  Dagdag na blessing ito para sa akin,” Florenda cheerfully noted.

The 32-year-old mother of three had to take up the slack in supporting her children when her husband was imprisoned for three years.  She was a laundrywoman earning a measly income before she discovered the Foundation which taught her how to augment her earnings by making bags.  The Foundation also helps send her three kids to school.

Along with 349 other beneficiaries of Rise Above Foundation, Florenda received gift packs from PAGCOR containing various grocery items and toiletries. The children under the care of the Foundation were also given food, Yuletide gift packs and assorted school supplies.  The institution also got its wish for computer sets with chairs for their I.T. room which will be used to train poor children and out-of-school youths.

“Maraming salamat po sa PAGCOR sa mga regalong ibinigay sa amin dito,” exclaimed 10-year-old Jennifer Abalo after receiving her gifts.

Rise Above Foundation President Flemming Hansen said the Pamaskong Handog event of PAGCOR made them experience the real joy of the Yuletide season as they feel very blessed with the chance to widen the scope of their services for less-fortunate individuals through the facilities that the agency donated.

“We are very grateful to PAGCOR for making our Christmas really special.  It didn’t only bring cheers to our beneficiaries but more importantly we received equipment that will help us carry out our objective of serving more underprivileged people,” Hansen enthused.

Casino Filipino Cebu General Manager Roque Cervantes, who led the distribution of Christmas gifts to the Foundation and its beneficiaries, related that being able to make other people happy in this season of giving and sharing has always been a gratifying experience for him and his staff.

“Seeing smiles on the faces of these people make us feel that we have done something great to bring them joy this Christmas.  Masayang-masaya kami na nakapagbigay kami ng kasiyahan sa mahihirap nating kababayan na nasa pangangalaga ng institusyon na ito, ayon na rin sa direktiba ng butihing Chairman and CEO ng PAGCOR na si Mr. Bong Naguiat,” Cervantes explained.

The Rise Above Foundation is operated by missionaries and volunteers coming from different countries and various walks of life.  Established 12 years ago under the Channel of Hope Foundation, the institution helps make life better for many underprivileged locals by teaching them livelihood activities like making bags from recycled sacks, leather accessories like bracelets, earrings and greeting cards.

The group also invites dentists from other countries such as Denmark to provide free dental treatment and education on oral hygiene to local children.  Aside from dental missions and feeding programs, the foundation also helps provide basic education to poor children.

Yuletide cheers pervaded the multi-purpose hall of the Langihan Public Market in Butuan city as soon as the young beneficiaries of the “Interact Club of Metro Butuan-Dunong ni Juan Project” crowded the venue for the “Bayanihan: Pamaskong Handog ng PAGCOR 2012”.

Together with their volunteer teachers from Agusan National High School, the children enjoyed the food and gifts prepared by PAGCOR’s Casino Filipino Davao branch for the event, which was made even livelier by song and dance numbers rendered by the beneficiaries and their instructors.

“Kabaligtaran ng takot at pangambang naramdaman namin dahil sa bagyong Pablo, sobrang saya ang inihatid sa amin ng Pamaskong Handog ng PAGCOR, lalo na sa mga bata.” said Andie Beltran, president of the Interact Club of Metro Butuan-Dunong ni Juan Project.

Unlike most parts of the Mindanao region that were hit by the typhoon, no casualty or damage was reported in Butuan City.  But the strong winds it brought was enough to sow fear among the residents that nobody dared to venture into the streets when storm signal number 3 was raised over the city on December 4, 2012.

For the gift-giving activity in Dunong ni Juan, PAGCOR allocated P150,000 for the distribution of Christmas gift packs containing toiletries and various grocery items, school bags with school supplies and slippers to the beneficiaries.  The event was made even more significant by the turnover of brand new blackboards and benches constructed and painted by PAGCOR’s workers as part of Pamaskong Handog’s “bayanihan” component.

“Hindi matatawaran ang kasiyahan ng mga bata kaya’t kami po sa PAGCOR, sa pamumuno ng aming chairman na si Cristino Naguiat, Jr., ay labis na natutuwa na sa aming munting paraan ay nakatulong kami at nakapagbigay ng masayang Pasko sa mga out-of-school youths dito sa Butuan,” noted Casino Filipino Davao Branch Manager Michael Cendana who led the distribution of gifts to the children.

One of the beneficiaries of the “Dunong ni Juan Project” is 10-year-old charcoal vendor Remrem who excitedly received her new school bag and school supplies. “Daghang salamat PAGCOR kay naa na ako bag-ong bag na magamit sa among klase kada adlaw ng Sabado (Thank you very much PAGCOR for giving me a new bag that I can use during our classes every Saturday).”

Remrem is one of the children who attend the “Dunong ni Juan” informal literacy sessions at the Butuan City public market every Saturday afternoon. The project is a weekly literacy outreach program being carried out by a group of 30 student volunteers from the Agusan National High School.  They utilize vacant market stalls in carrying out their prime objective of promoting education among the young out-of-school vendors in Butuan City.

Thus said Kathy Pañares, a grade five pupil at Mambog Elementary School in Cavite who was among the beneficiaries of the school desk donation of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

Kathy used to share cramped seating spaces with her classmates, which she claimed affected their concentration during classes. “Dati po kasi hindi kami makatutok sa itinuturo ng mga teacher namin dahil nagkakasikuhan po kami. Ngayon po, maayos na kaming nakakagalaw.”

Since 2011, PAGCOR has been delivering school desks made out of old slot machine stands to various public elementary schools in Metro Manila and Cavite. To date, the state-owned gaming firm has already distributed close to 1,000 school desks to 14 schools and will continue to do so to help mitigate the shortage of comfortable classroom furniture in other public learning institutions.

PAGCOR is the only casino operator in the world that utilizes discarded parts from old slot machine stands to produce functional school desks.

“As we often say, only in the Philippines can we find such a novel, unique idea like this. Through this project, we are able to make something from junk instead of just throwing them away. Walang tapon ang bawat piraso ng lumang slot machine stand. Every piece is used to make the school desks,” said Assistant Vice President JC Manalo of PAGCOR’s Property and General Services Department (PGSD).

Manalo says the fabrication of the school desk is much cheaper compared to other school desks which range from P2,000 to P2,500 per unit. “The total cost of each two-seater school desk is pegged only at P652.37.”

With the agency’s donation of almost 1,000 school desks, the government saved roughly P2 million since not a single centavo was spent for the procurement of these new school desks for public schools.

According to Judith Benzon, Assistant Manager at the Fabrication and Repair Works Unit (FRWU) of the PAGCOR General Services Department (GSD) in Imus, Cavite, the idea to convert old slot machine stands into school desks came about in 2010 when former PAGCOR Logistics and General Services Department (LGSD) Assistant Vice President Patrick Puno asked them to utilize the said junks instead of simply throwing them away.

“That was how the project started and since then, it has already benefited several public elementary schools. The existing classroom furnitures are already dilapidated and deemed uncomfortable to use by the ever growing student population,” said Benzon.

Tasked to design the school desks was FRWU officer Melbargas Canlas who said that each school desk can fit up to three pupils, depending on the size of the slot machine stands.

PAGCOR collects old slot machine stands from several Casino Filipino branches to be fabricated into school desks at its warehouse in Imus, Cavite.

The production of the school desks begins with the dismantling of old slot machine stands and cutting the usable parts into several patterns to form the desk frame, the stands and the reinforcement. These patterns are then smoothened to remove rough surfaces.

Once the parts are fitted together and the school desk is assembled completely, a putty mixture is applied all over it to make the desk waterproof. After this, the whole desk is smoothened using sandpaper before it is spray-painted.

The state-owned gaming firm delivers school desks to public schools based on need.

A worker spray-paints a finished school desk.

Workers from the PAGCOR Warehouse in Imus, Cavite dismantle parts of an old slot machine stand to create two to three-seater school desks.

School desks made out of old slot machine stands donated by PAGCOR on April 20, 2012 provide comfort and ample elbow space to public school pupils of Mambog Elementary School in Bacoor, Cavite.

Schoolchildren of Toclong Elementary School in Imus, Cavite show their appreciation for the 50 brand-new three-seater school desks made out of old slot machine stands made by PAGCOR.

Two-seater school desks made from old slot machine stands

Public school pupils in Mambog Elementary School in Bacoor, Cavite no longer have to endure cramped seating spaces as some school desks from old slot machine stands donated by PAGCOR can fit up to three occupants.

Old slot machine stands to be converted into school desks

Once fully constructed, the new building in Camantiles Elementary School will have 10 spacious rooms that could accommodate 55 to 60 students and  four comfort rooms. The building is being constructed at an elevated height of 1.5 meters to withstand heavy floods. The construction of the building began 4^th week of October this year. It is estimated to be completed in 5 months.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Cristino L. Naguiat, Jr. said the school building that is being donated by the state-owned gaming firm to Camantiles Elementary School is part of government’s efforts to address the backlog of classrooms in the country.

“One of our priority Corporate Social Responsibility projects is to help the Department of Education (DepEd) solve the classrooms shortage in public schools. Last year, PAGCOR allocated P1 billion for the construction of 1,000 classrooms nationwide. We are planning to continue with this project by allocating bigger funds for the construction of more classrooms in public schools across the country,” he explained.

Naguiat was among the special guests during the ceremonial groundbreaking of the new school building last October 29.

Joseph Tabelin, Principal III of Camantiles Elementary School, said the school building being constructed through PAGCOR’s help “will bring great relief to students and teachers whose classes have to be suspended from time to time whenever calamities like flooding occur in the area.”

Tabelin narrated that major calamities hit Camantiles three to four times a year. “Kapag dumadating ang kalamidad, dinadayo din kami ng putik at baha. Almost two feet ang putik na pumapasok sa aming mga classroom. Iyan ang nagiging sanhi ng delay sa aming klase.”

To catch up on lost time, teachers of Camantiles Elementary School conduct make-up classes and provide modules to students for them to study at home. But Tabelin admitted that providing students with a venue conducive to studying will greatly help in the students’ learning process.  Malaking ginhawa ang classrooms na ibibigay ng PAGCOR. Hindi ito basta-basta mapapasok ng baha dahil elevated,” he explained.

The school administrator narrated that the town of Camantiles is surrounded by two rivers. Whenever these rivers overflow, their small town is also submerged in floodwaters. “Kami ay nagpapasalamat ng lubos sa PAGCOR sa pagbibigay sa amin ng 2-storey building. Hindi lang siguro ito magsisilbing classrooms kundi evacuation center na din,” Tabelin added.

Meantime Urdaneta City Mayor Amadeo G.E. Perez IV expressed his gratitude to PAGCOR for addressing the concern of his constituents. “Lubos po tayong nagpapasalamat sa PAGCOR dahil alam nila ang sitwasyon dito sa atin. Alam nilang madalas tayong maapektuhan ng pagbaha,” he said.

Besides the construction of the 2-storey school building in Camantiles Elementary School, PAGCOR has funded the construction of 1,000 classrooms in various parts of the country as part of its “Matuwid na Daan sa Silid Aralan project” in 2011. More classrooms will be built once the 2^nd phase of the project is implemented this year.

Students of Camantiles Elementary School eagerly listen to their guests during the recent groundbreaking of the PAGCOR-funded 2-storey building in their school.

Facade of Camantiles Elementary School in Pangasinan.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Cristino Naguiat, Jr. (center) attended the groundbreaking of the PAGCOR-funded 2-storey school building in Camantiles Elementary School. With him are Camantiles Elementary School Principal Joseph Tabelin (left), Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Maria Celia Junio-Fernandez (2nd from left) and Urdaneta City Mayor Amadeo G.E. Perez IV (2nd from right).

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Cristino Naguiat, Jr. and Urdaneta City Mayor Amadeo G.E. Perez IV led the groundbreaking of the 2-storey building in Camantiles Elementary School in Pangasinan. The building’s construction, which costs P13.4 million, is being funded by PAGCOR.

Students of Camantiles Elementary School applauded the announcement that they will have a new school building very soon through PAGCOR’s help.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Cristino Naguiat, Jr. (6th from right) and some PAGCOR officers together with Urdaneta City Mayor Amadeo G.E. Perez IV (11th from left) and school administrators of Camantiles Elementary School during the October 29, 2012 groundbreaking of the PAGCOR-funded school building in Camantiles, Pangasinan.

Nineteen-year-old Catrine Rosary Ocampo has the grace and beauty fit for a queen. There’s something regal about the 5’8 stunner that makes heads turn and get noticed even in a crowded room.

But for Rosary, having good looks is not enough. She possesses a good heart as well. As a child, she dreamt of making a significant mark in society by reaching out to the less privileged – especially the youth. “I have always dreamed of helping other people and I’ve always thought of ways on how I can make a difference,” the Batangas born-lass who now lives in Quezon City said.

When she was crowned as the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation’s (PAGCOR) first ever Miss Casino Filipino in 2011, Rosary was given the extraordinary chance to touch other people’s lives by becoming part of the life-changing projects of the Corporation. “PAGCOR through the Miss Casino Filipino project helped me achieve my dream and I will be forever thankful for that,” Rosary said.

Ambassadress of Hope

As the state-gaming firm’s ambassadress in all its socio-civic projects, Ocampo joined PAGCOR in holding feeding programs in chosen elementary schools. She also helped in the annual gift-giving activities of the company where most of the beneficiaries are charitable institutions that take care of the abandoned, the elderly, the orphans, the abused and other less privileged sectors of society.

As Miss Casino Filipino 2011, Rosary was also given a chance to support a charitable institution which shares her advocacy and personal crusade. Being an advocate of education for every child, Rosary chose the Unang Lingap Kapwa Philippines Inc. (ULKPI), a foundation that helps educate children and youth from poor families.

The institution received six computer sets from PAGCOR during the agency’s Pamaskong Handog gift-giving program last year. The computer sets are now being used by children from Unang Lingap’s six service centers in Quezon City, Manila, Malabon and Caloocan. Founded in 1990, the institution had been working to uplift the quality of life of the less-privileged children and their families through integral programs that contribute to their well-being. ULKPI currently serves 19,000 sponsored children and youth.

Representing the Philippines to the world

When she won the Miss Casino Filipino crown, Rosary was also given the chance to represent the Philippines in the Queen of the World beauty pageant in Germany in December 2011.

“It was my first time to compete in an international pageant. I gained so much experience when I joined it. I was also one of the youngest candidates. Though I did not bring home the crown, I know everything was worth it. I learned so much from it and I made a lot of friends from around the world. I also took the opportunity to promote our beautiful country and people with the other candidates and all the people that I met during the entire competition,” Ocampo shared.

Search is on for the next Miss Casino Filipino

After its successful run last year, PAGCOR will once again hold the nationwide search for Miss Casino Filipino this year. PAGCOR is inviting all single Filipinas 18 to 25 years old who are multi-talented, beautiful and has a heart for service to join the beauty pageant.

PAGCOR Assistant VP for Entertainment Bong Quintana said what sets the pageant apart from other beauty contests is that “Miss Casino Filipino does not only showcase the exceptional beauty and talent of the Filipina. Contestants are also required to share their advocacy that will have a unique impact to society. They can choose any advocacy such as education, health, environment, poverty eradication, etc. It is a manifestation of the contestants’ commitment to be of service to others, especially the less privileged.”

This year, contestants will also be asked to describe their Filipina role model and how their Filipina icon has influenced or changed their lives. “This pageant is PAGCOR’s way of paying tribute to the admirable roles that Filipinas play in the society today. She is someone who is beautiful inside and out, someone who emulates and embodies the positive values and virtues of Filipinos.”

Prizes at stake this year are much higher. Miss Casino Filipino 2012 will receive P500,000 in cash prize and her chosen charitable institution will receive a donation of P200,000. Meanwhile, runners-up will receive P400,000 (1st runner-up), P300,000 (2nd runner-up), P200,000 (3rd runner-up) and P100,000 (4th runner-up).

“Apart from bigger cash prizes, deserving winners and contestants will be given a chance to work in PAGCOR and Casino Filipino,” Quintana added.

Qualifying competitions will run from October 1 to October 28, 2012 in different Casino Filipino branches nationwide. The grand coronation night will be held at the PAGCOR Grand Theatre in Airport Casino Filipino Parañaque on November 16, 2012, 8:00PM.

For more details, interested parties may call the PAGCOR Entertainment Department at (02) 852-7758 or (02) 852-7760, contact the nearest Casino Filipino branch or visit www.pagcor.ph.