The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor), the country’s gaming regulator, has opened a socio-civic centre – its 50th nationwide – in Barangay San Gregorio at Laurel, Batangas, near an active volcano close to Taal Lake.
The PHP50-million (US$852,600) facility (pictured, above) will serve as an evacuation site in case of emergency, and a venue for social and community activities.
The two-storey building has multipurpose halls, kitchens, washrooms, and other amenities.
Eric Balcos (centre left, below), turned over the building to Laurel mayor Lyndon Bruce (centre right, below), saying the new structure reflects the state gaming agency’s commitment to safeguard and uplift communities vulnerable to natural calamities.
As per a recent announcement, Mr Bruce thanked Pagcor, describing the project as a symbol of cooperation among the local government, residents, and the agency.
The update said that nationally, Pagcor has 22 more socio-civic centres under construction, as part of the regulator’s effort to channel gaming revenues into community projects that “enhance disaster preparedness and improve the quality of life in local communities”.
