The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor), the nation’s casino regulator-cum-operator, has allocated an initial PHP1.37 billion (US$22.8 million) for the construction of 25 public school buildings nationwide. The move is part of a broader two-year initiative aimed at addressing classroom shortages across the country, according to a recent press release.
The agency said the funding represents the first phase of a plan to build 125 school buildings, equivalent to around 1,500 classrooms, in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd).
Pagcor formalised the initiative through a memorandum of agreement signed with DepEd and representatives from the first batch of 25 beneficiary local government units (LGUs).
The announcement cited Alejandro Tengco, Pagcor’s chairman and chief executive, as saying that more than PHP8 billion had already been earmarked for the overall programme, ensuring its implementation, starting with the first batch of 25 buildings.
“Our commitment to the President [Ferdinand Marcos Jr.] is that all classrooms will be completed not later than 2027,” Mr Tengco stated.
Funds for the construction projects will be released to LGUs in three tranches, based on construction progress and compliance with project standards, Pagcor noted.
Each of the initial beneficiary LGUs is expected to receive about PHP55 million to build a three-storey school facility with 12 classrooms, according to the release. The funding will also cover the acquisition of chairs, tables, facilities accessible to persons with disabilities, electric fans, microphones, 75-inch smart televisions, and a one-year free internet subscription, the document added.
Mr Tengco said the programme aimed to improve learning conditions, particularly in areas experiencing overcrowded classrooms, irregular class schedules, and makeshift learning spaces.
“We have learned that the country has an estimated 165,000 classroom shortage, which is a daunting challenge for any administration,” he said.
Mr Tengco also announced a separate initiative requiring Pagcor’s online gaming licensees to allocate a portion of their respective gross gaming revenue to socio-civic programmes, “including the repair and rehabilitation of public school buildings nationwide”.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara welcomed the partnership, saying the programme would help address infrastructure gaps in the country’s education sector.
“These classrooms are not just physical structures; they are places where dreams can become reality for millions of young Filipinos,” he said.
