THE Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has inaugurated the first PAGCOR-funded socio-civic center in the province, a facility designed to support community initiatives and serve as an evacuation center during calamities.
The two-story building, constructed with a ₱50-million grant from the state gaming firm, will benefit residents of Mamburao’s 15 barangays and neighboring municipalities.
Occidental Mindoro Governor Eduardo Gadiano and PAGCOR Vice President for Corporate Social Responsibility Ramon Stephen Villaflor led the inauguration on Feb. 28.
Gadiano lauded the project, noting that the facility would serve multiple purposes beyond emergency shelter.
“We are deeply grateful to PAGCOR for bringing the first socio-civic center to Occidental Mindoro,” Gadiano said. “This facility will greatly support various community initiatives and provide a safe refuge during severe weather conditions.”
The governor added that the center could also help generate income for the provincial government when not in use as an evacuation site.
“We can rent out this space to individuals and organizations, allowing us to generate revenue for its maintenance,” he said.
Villaflor, meanwhile, reaffirmed PAGCOR’s commitment to community development and nation-building.
“This socio-civic center project is a testament to PAGCOR’s commitment to contribute to nation-building,” he said. “It is also our response to the call of the people from Occidental Mindoro to have a facility that will not only serve as a shelter during calamities but also as a venue for community development and fundraising efforts.”
PAGCOR has so far completed and inaugurated 45 socio-civic centers across the country, with 28 more facilities nearing completion.