Over P1 billion PAGCOR grant to health sector propels better COVID-19 response

MANILA, Philippines – The local health sector got a tremendous lift in its COVID-19 response as the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has granted over P1 billion to hospitals and other beneficiaries for the purchase of medical equipment and construction of facilities. 

From 2020 to present, PAGCOR has given financial aid to 33 institutions and local government units to help in the battle against COVID-19 and carry out better patient care. 

Getting the lion’s share of the funds from the agency was Southern Philippines Medical Center, which was granted P350 million for the procurement of Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machine. 

The Pediatrics Department of the 1000-bed capacity Bicol Medical Center received new mechanical ventilators through the funding of PAGCOR. In the photo is the neonatal intensive care unit of the Bicol medical center tending to the needs of prematurely born infants.

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The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), meanwhile, received P200 million from PAGCOR for the purchase of medical equipment for the OFW Hospital in Pampanga. 

Another public hospital, the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City, got over P123 million for the construction of a halfway house within the hospital compound that will accommodate the patients’ watchers. 

Apart from the said medical institutions, PAGCOR also extended financial assistance to several towns and cities for the procurement of hospital equipment and items to be used in battling COVID-19. 

Melco Resorts Philippines Foundation funded 1 Billion to construct the PSG Station Hospital in Malacañang Park. It is a 51-bed capacity facility, and President Rodrigo Duterte inaugurated it on November 10, 2021. PAGCOR committed P89 million for the hospital’s various medical equipment and supplies.

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Right from the onset of the global health crisis, the state-run gaming firm ramped up its grant of cash assistance to its beneficiaries even if it suffered from huge revenue losses due to the temporary suspension of its gaming operations. 

“The pandemic made it harder for the health sector to provide decent service to those who require serious medical treatment that’s why we dug deeper into our coffers to help some public hospitals, as well as various LGUs, acquire the much-needed equipment for healthcare,” said PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Andrea Domingo. 

PAGCOR Director Jimmy Bondoc

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The agency likewise demonstrated appreciation for the sacrifices of the front-liners in serving their communities amidst the dangers of the pandemic.  

PAGCOR gave recognition to the noble act of the doctors, nurses, medical technologists, policemen, barangay and social workers by providing them with personal protective equipment (PPE), grocery packs and medical equipment. 

PAGCOR volunteers deliver food packs to healthcare frontliners at the Amang Rodriguez Hospital in Marikina City.

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