Employees Undergo Mass Testing for COVID-19

CSR PROJECTS over P400-M PAGCOR • ‘PAGCOR Village’ in two Batangas towns RELEASED for celebrates broke ground multi-purpose • Various donations evacuation • Fire victims get aid from PAGCOR center project Women s • Mindoro, Pampanga towns receive ’ wheelchairs PAGES 4-6 PAGE 7 Month PAGES 14-15 The

JANUARY TO MARCH 2021 INSIDEROfficial Newsletter of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation www.pagcor.ph Employees undergo mass testing for COVID-19 ith mixed feel- standard for COVID-19 testing in the Philippines, RT-PCR test is ings, thousands performed to detect genetic ma- Wof PAGCOR terial from a specific organism, personnel from differ- such as viruses. Using actual swabs from patient’s nose and ent Corporate offices throat, the test determines if a and Casino Filipino’s person is infected with the CO- gaming venues nation- VID-19 virus at the time of the wide submitted them- examination. The mass testing of PAGCOR selves to mandatory re- workers was carried out as soon al-time Reverse Tran- as the Health Services and Well- scription (RT)-Poly- ness Department (HSWD) received a joint order from PAGCOR merase Chain Reaction Chairman and CEO Andrea Do- (PCR) test last March. mingo and President and COO Al- fredo Lim to facilitate the conduct The alarming surge of CO- of the said medical procedure. VID-19 infections in the country, The PAGCOR officials agreed particularly in the National Cap- that the health and safety of the ital Region (NCR), prompted the state-run gaming firm’s employ- PAGCOR management to imme- ees must be protected as they diately order the mass testing expressed serious concern over of the agency’s workforce. The the continuously growing statis- tests were held at the CF Manila at first after being informed “Talagang kinabahan ako ako? Salamat na lang talaga tics of COVID-19 infections and Bay and at St. Luke’s Medical about the medical procedure noong una kasi nga hindi ako sa Panginoon at nag-negative deaths in the country. Center-Quezon City branch for that all PAGCOR workers had kumpiyansa sa kundisyon ng ako. Napakasuwerte kong dito “Our workforce is our com- Metro Manila-based employees, to undergo as he was not feeling katawan ko dahil medyo hindi ako nakapagtrabaho sa PAG- pany’s greatest asset. We are while those assigned outside well a day before his scheduled maganda ang paki- COR na ang management ay able to continue our noble role in the NCR underwent the RT-PCR swab testing. He heaved a big ramdam ko bago may labis na malasakit sa nation building despite suffer- tests in sites selected by their sigh of relief when his RT-PCR mag-swab. Sabi kalusugan at kaligtasan ing huge revenue losses due to respective branches. examination result came out ko sa sarili ko, ng mga empleyado,” he the pandemic because we have An employee who requested two days after and noted that paano kung said...... anonymity said he felt anxious he tested negative for COVID-19. mag-positive Considered as the gold MASS TESTING P4 Chairman’s Letter Workforce expresses to Employees gratitude to Dear fellow PAGCO- and benefits, and our medi- Rians: cal benefits, despite a drastic management dive in our income and in the ope all is well with ev- face of the challenging oper- eryone! ational environment. for keeping the H We are all aware of Our financial situation the disruptive impact the CO- is a major challenge. With company afloat VID-19 pandemic has brought our current operational con- on the global economy. In straints, we are prompted our country, its spread has to closely re-examine PAG- amidst health caused scores of businesses COR’s sustainability and vi- and industries to downsize ability. With the temporary crisis or shut down, with job loss- closure of our casinos and lies reaching unprecedented censees, and inspite of imple- In the face of these very challenging times, levels, as cases continue to menting major cost-cutting the PAGCOR Management, headed by Chair- rise. Along with other indus- measures, our savings and man and CEO Andrea Domingo, has consis- tries, our gaming operations, budget for operating expen- tently upheld its commitment to provide for which has been classified as ditures are being depleted. the economic and health needs of PAGCORi- a “non-essential” economic But PAGCOR remains ans and their families. activity, has taken a direct hit hopeful that better times lay Despite the fact that the company is suffer- with the temporary closure of ahead for all of us, especially ing huge revenue losses due to the temporary a number of the casinos and with the vaccines already closure of gaming operations, the employees licensees at this time. made available to the Lo- continued to receive their salaries, benefits Amidst these difficult cal Government Units in our and bonuses. Special work arrangements have times, the PAGCOR Manage- country. Please know that also been implemented to ensure the safety ment has made employee your Management is current- and well-being of the employees. welfare its top priority. Ever ly in action to procure vac- Here are stories related by some PAGCOR since this pandemic began cines for you and your qual- employees on how they were able to cope up 13 months ago, we have con- ...... with the pandemic situation through the help tinued to receive full salaries CHAIRMAN’S LETTER P3 and efforts of the PAGCOR management to keep the company afloat amidst the global ...... WORKFORCE P3 THE PAGCOR INSIDER 2 January-March 2021 REGULATORY

(From left) PAGCOR’s Assistant Vice President for Corporate Communications Carmelita Valdez, NCRPO Regional Director Police Brigadier General Vicente Danao, Jr., Travellers International Hotel Group, Inc., President and CEO Barangay Captains of the town of San Andres show their support for the new Kingson Sian, hospital project. and PNP Chief Debold Sinas participate in the Bloomberry Cultural Foundation groundbreaking ceremony of the funds the construction of first NCRPO Medical Center that will hospital in remote Quezon town soon rise at Camp Bagong San Andres, Quezon – A state- Upon seeing the need, it was Diwa in Bicutan, of-the-art medical facility is set easily approved, hence, the P50 Taguig City. to rise in this far-flung town af- million hospital project was ter Bloomberry Cultural Foun- granted,” Laurena explained. dation, Inc. (BCFI), through San Andres town Mayor PAGCOR, led the groundbreak- Giovanne Lim said the new ing of the first hospital in Ba- hospital will address the Resorts World rangay Camflora in January health needs of around 40,000 this year. individuals in their town alone BCFI, the social responsi- and thousands more from bility arm of the owner and nearby municipalities. Foundation breaks operator of Solaire Resort and “Currently, the nearest Casino, donated P50 million for hospital from our town that is the construction of a 25-bed hos- equipped to handle emergency ground on new NCRPO pital with two operating rooms cases is in Lucena City. Going and two emergency rooms. to Lucena will take about five Although primarily cater- hours. Ang town naman ng ing to San Andres residents, San Narciso is going to take medical center the facility will also serve three and a half hours. Ang modern medical center for police officers said that it is very timely to the medical needs of locals pinupuntahan na dito ay sa and their families will soon rise at Camp construct new hospitals when in nearby municipalities like Lucena na talaga, kasi wala health and safety are fore- San Narciso, San Francisco nang may surgical capability. ABagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City af- most on everyone’s mind. “It and Mulanay once the hospital Kaya ang mga taong may ter Resorts World Philippines Cultural Heritage is only fitting that at this time, commences its operations. mga malalaking sugat, sa we are embarking on this proj- BCFI Executive Director kasamaang palad, ay hindi Foundation (RWPCHF), PAGCOR, and the Philip- ect – a modern medical center, Filipina Laurena shares that na umaabot ng buhay sa pine National Police (PNP) held a groundbreaking equipped for the new normal, their financial grant for San ospital due to massive blood ceremony on January 22, 2021 signifying the start that will expand the PNP’s ca- Andres town is in line with loss,” he explained. pability to give its dedicated the developmental pillars of The new hospital in San of construction of the project. police officers and their families PAGCOR for the foundations Andres, Quezon is expecting the care they deserve. Kailan- organized by its integrated re- completion by January 2022. RWPCHF is the charitable care services,” she said. gan din nating pangalagaan sort-casino operators. These The groundbreaking of the arm of Travellers International “Our Entertainment City li- ang mga nangangalaga sa developmental pillars include health facility was graced by Hotel Group, Inc., operator of censees, through their Founda- bayan.” health, environment, educa- PAGCOR President and COO Resorts World Manila. It allo- tions, have been contributing a Resorts World Manila has also tion and cultural heritage. Alfredo Lim, Director Rey- cated P500 million for the con- lot to the country’s health sec- previously joined hands with the “Mayor Lim approached us naldo Concordia, Bloomberry struction of what will be called tor. Apart from their COVID-19 PNP in refurbishing and provid- directly and nakita namin Cultural Foundation Incorpo- NCRPO Medical Center. efforts, they are also donating ing new medical equipment to na kailangan talaga dito ng rated Executive Director Fili- According to Chairman and a hefty amount for the estab- the Sinagtala Wing of the PNP isang hospital. This jibes well pina Laurena, and local chief CEO Andrea D. Domingo, under lishment of healthcare facilities General Hospital to enhance the with the development pillars of executives from nearby towns. PAGCOR’s regulatory rules, its around the Philippines,” Domin- healthcare services for the men PAGCOR for its casino opera- ...... casino licensees are required go added. and women in service, as well as tors. In the case of San Andres, Text: Jasper Valencia to establish a foundation for the Among these health facilities their families. Last year, as part it’s health and environment. Photos: Jesus S. Casabar restoration of cultural heritage. are the first Overseas Filipino of its community aid during this “A percentage of their gross Workers Hospital in San Fer- pandemic, RWM also included gaming revenues are set aside nando, Pampanga, a medical donations of personal protective for these foundations which facility in a remote town of San equipment for the police person- shall be used for the protection, Andres in Quezon province and nel under the NCRPO to help conservation and restoration the Presidential Security Group protect those on the forefront of of cultural heritage sites in the Station Hospital in Malacañan the battle against COVID-19. Philippines; improvement of Park, Manila...... public schools in the country; Meanwhile, Travellers’ Presi- Text: Darren B. Agaton and provision of quality health- dent and CEO Kingson U. Sian Photo: Jesus S. Casabar Offshore Gaming Operators and service providers included in AMLA

The aerial view of Barangay To comply with legal standards Camflora, where the first for Anti-Money Laundering hospital in San Andres will and Countering the Financing soon rise. of Terrorism (AML/CFT) that were established by interna- It takes four to five hours tional bodies, President Rodrigo of land travel before locals Roa Duterte signed into law Re- of San Andres, Quezon can public Act No. (RA) 11521, which reach the nearest hospital amends RA 9160 or the Anti- in Lucena City. Money Laundering Act of 2001 (AMLA), as amended, taking effect on January 30, 2021. This law gives additional pow- ers to the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) and expands the list of Covered Persons (CPs) to include the Offshore Gaming Op- erators (OGOs) and their Service Providers (SPs). Additionally, it Transaction. The PAGCOR Anti-Mon- emphasizes that CPs supervised RA 11521 is important, the ey Laundering Department or regulated by PAGCOR must President earlier said, as it promptly released an advisory report any single cash transac- aims to protect the integrity and to all casinos regarding the en- tion exceeding five million pesos confidentiality of bank accounts actment of the said law for their (Php 5,000,000) or its equivalent and to prevent money launder- information and guidance. in other currencies as a Covered ing in the country. – Janmari Alia F. Arroyo THE PAGCOR INSIDER 3 January-March 2021 News

WORKFORCE ing the welfare of its employees. “To the PAGCOR manage- Chairman Andrea, kasi nan- anyone behind. We are like “I thank God for giving me this ment especially to our dearest dito pa ako sa PAGCOR. Naka- family who are always there From Page 1 family—the management and Chairman and CEO Andrea Do- kapasok pa ako at sumasahod whenever we need a helping co-employees. The manage- mingo, my deepest gratitude. sa kabila ng mga nangyari sa hand. I have experienced this health crisis. They are but ment, especially our Chairman, I am very thankful for all the akin. Salamat po dahil naka- first-hand because when one a few who have expressed grati- never fails to think of the wel- efforts that you do for us. Rest kakain pa ang aking pamilya of my family members got in- tude for the blessings provided fare of all PAGCORians. She’s assured, we will do our best to sa araw-araw,” Paz expressed. fected by COVID-19, my fellow by the company through its com- like a mother who always takes keep and maintain CF Ilocos – Alicia Paz employees lent a helping hand. passionate leaders. care of her child (us). I also en- Norte a COVID-free gaming fa- Janitor, Corporate Through PAGCOR’s assistance, q q q courage all to remain strong be- cility for it to be able to contin- q q q my burden was lessened,” Yu ike many others who took cause most of us (if not all) were ue doing its share in providing iving in one roof with his expressed. extra care but still got in- affected. Just don’t stop praying funds for the government,” she parents who are both 78 Like many other families, the Lfected by the virus, Secu- for the world to heal soon,” he said. Lyears old and having a pandemic affected him and his rity Staff II Rommel Bielgo of said. – Nesshell Delos Santos 17-year-old child at home, going family in terms of finances and Casino Filipino (CF) Davao was – Rommel Bielgo Treasury Assistant, CF Ilocos to and from work while COVID well-being. It brought him lesser shocked when he tested positive Security Staff II, CF Davao Norte positive cases are rising is a income and bigger debt. But the last March 30, 2021 as he did not q q q q q q struggle for Baby Boy Haro, Pit assurance of having a job and exhibit any symptoms of the dis- esshell Delos Santos, hen the pandemic hit, Officer at Casino Filipino Win- people around to support him ease. He was instantly overcome Treasury Assistant in CF Alicia Paz, Janitor at ford. gave him peace of mind. by fear that his family might be NIlocos Norte, said she and Wthe Corporate Office, “The scare of transmitting He is likewise thankful to the infected, particularly his mother her family were tremendously had to work harder because her the virus back from the work- PAGCOR management for doing who has a history of pneumonia affected by the pandemic. She husband, son and daughter lost place to our household has been its best to keep the jobs of em- and is suffering from hyperten- has to support her family while their jobs. a dilemma, to think that my par- ployees. “Thank you for your sion. also helping her sister, a single “Hindi ko alam kung ents and child are in the most efforts, especially to Chairman “I was stressed and got de- mom of four who lost her job. paanong pagbu-budget ang susceptible age groups. The and CEO Andrea Domingo, in pressed, too. I was worried and Her in-laws also tested positive gagawin namin. Yung mga idea of going out has tremen- making the company stay afloat not okay. Physically, I know I for COVID-19 and was brought anak ko at apo pati nanay dous effect not just for my fami- amidst the pandemic. To my can handle the situation. But to the hospital while other mem- ko kasama namin sa bahay, ly’s safety, but to me psychologi- co-employees, let us help the mentally and emotionally, I am bers of the family underwent ang dami namin. Kaya kung cally,” he shared. management work out strate- weak. I even cried because of home quarantine. anong pwedeng lutuin na However, being a frontliner gies to get more customers and the situation,” he shared. “I was so helpless and felt re- mura, basta makakain lang at the Health Services and Well- revenues. We are all in this to- Bielgo was thankful that ally devastated with the unend- ang pamilya at mairaos ang ness Department has helped him gether,” Yu expressed. he wasn’t alone in his fight ing problems we were facing. isang araw, yun na lang,” Paz cope with the situation. “Unless – Rodolfo P. Yu III against COVID-19 as his col- Our little savings in the bank shared. we realize our purpose, we are Acting Pit Officer, CF Bacolod leagues showed their support were emptied because we also Her predicament worsened but hopeless individuals won- q q q by sending messages of hope had to provide support for my when typhoon Ulysses hit the dering what to do next. From ike other employees, Deal- and recovery. Others even sent in-laws,” she shared. country in November and their the onset of the pandemic, I er Jonadae Lingat of CF him food while he was recover- Apart from her family prob- home in Pasig was submerged have been very proud to say that LDavao, also experienced ing in a medical facility. “It’s lems, she also thought that she in floodwaters. “Sinubukan I am a PAGCORian. Through my fear of losing her job. difficult to get isolated but I might lose her job when casinos kong humingi ng tulong, pero little deeds, I am able to contrib- “I was very worried and am truly grateful to my fellow temporarily shut down its op- siguro sa dami ng mga nan- ute to the welfare of others and thought how I will manage to PAGCORians who empathized erations. gangailangan, hindi kami have become part of the total pay my bills if I lost this job. But with me. I realized that there Despite the struggles nabigyan ng pansin. Kaya contribution of the corporation thank God, I was able to find are more people who care for brought by the pandemic, her kailangan ko talagang mag- to the national effort to curb the ways and was also fortunate be- me,” he expressed. job in PAGCOR helped her and trabaho at tiisin yung takot sufferings of my countrymen,” cause PAGCOR still continues to Even before getting infected her family get through their sa pandemya. Kailangan Haro said. give our salaries and bonuses,” by the virus, the pandemic al- basic needs especially during lumaban sa hirap para mabu- He is also grateful that she shared. ready had a great impact on the three-month lockdown. hay ang aking pamilya,” Paz through his job, he is able to con- Lingat was grateful to be Bielgo because the small can- “When casinos closed, I won- recalled. tinuously provide for his family. employed by PAGCOR because teen being managed by his dered how I can feed my fam- Adding to her burden was “I am thankful to the PAGCOR despite the losses brought by family had to cease operations. ily and pay our bills. But hav- when she tested positive for CO- management that I still have the pandemic, the agency was “With no extra income, it was ing received our salary in full VID last March 17, 2021 and she this awesome job. This is the able to provide for its employees hard. Thank goodness for the without deductions, plus the had to undergo a 14-day quar- same reason why I am asking and enabled them to cope with generosity of PAGCOR. Though advanced bonuses we got, en- antine. As the sole breadwin- my fellow employees to come the difficult situation. More than casino operations stopped, my abled us to get by. I even man- ner, it became very difficult for together and share the common that, the state-run gaming firm job was not affected. I still re- aged to help and share what I her and her family because she ideals that as PAGCORians, we has been helping thousands of ceived the same salary and have to our neighborhood,” De- is only a contractual employee, are committed to serve. Service less privileged Filipinos who bonuses were released earlier los Santos expressed. and not being able to report for for the love of our country and are in dire need of help. than expected,” Bielgo said. She is likewise proud to be work means she wouldn’t have the good of our people.” “I felt secured with PAGCOR, He added that PAGCOR part of PAGCOR, which remains any source of income. – Baby Boy M. Haro and that is what motivates me helped him and his family sur- steadfast in its commitment to “Napakahirap po talaga. Pit Officer, CF Winford to go to work. The company de- vive the situation. “Some estab- nation-building. “Regardless of Pero nagpapasalamat ako na q q q serves all the gratitude from all lishments had retrenchments, the situation, PAGCOR is always ang laking tulong ng PAGCOR or Acting Pit Officer Ro- of us. To the management, thank reduced their employees and among the first agencies to re- sa akin. Nandito pa din ako dolfu Yu of CF Bacolod, you so much for being with us in others even had to cease opera- spond through financial grants, at nakakapag-trabaho bilang Fworking in PAGCOR and this crisis. To my fellow PAGCO- tions but PAGCOR remains to be relief operations and other do- janitor. Napaka-swerte ko din knowing that he has a secured Rians, I encourage you to con- the hope for all employees. Not nations. And that is what makes dahil nakaka-duty pa ako ka- job to support his family during tinue being of service to Casino only that, despite the big losses, me more motivated to go to hit marami na sa mga kasa- this pandemic is a blessing. But Filipino. Our little ways of help- our corporation continues to work, because in my little way mahan ko ang nabawas,” Paz more than that, being a PAGCO- ing PAGCOR will go a long way,” help frontline workers, the poor of reporting for duty and doing shared. Rian makes him proud because Lingat expressed. and the government during the good at my job, I am able to help As her only source of income, he gained an extended family – Jonadae Lingat pandemic.” the management generate funds she is thankful that she’s still who is willing to help in times Dealer, CF Davao Bielgo also expressed his to support the government,” De- able to work in PAGCOR since of need...... gratitude to PAGCOR for ensur- los Santos said. 2004 up to now. “Salamat kay “PAGCORians never leave Compiled by Darren B. Agaton

CHAIRMAN’S LETTER ued government partner for and health protocols, includ- both government and citizen ing disinfection and sanitation From Page 1 initiatives. of the workplace and casino ified and extended dependents Your management continues premises, are being strictly at the fastest possible time. to be grateful for your dedi- implemented for your protec- However, there is no definite Ever since this pandemic began 13 cated service and contribution, and that of our customers date yet for the delivery of the months ago, we have continued to tions to PAGCOR. But we also as well. vaccines since we need to go seek your understanding when Maraming salamat mga through the procurement pro- receive full salaries and benefits, and we tell you that these are diffi- kapwa kong PAGCORian cess as prescribed by law and cult times and difficult circum- lalong lalo na sa mga patuloy as instructed to us by the De- our medical benefits, despite a drastic stances for PAGCOR. We share na pumapasok sa kanilang partment of Health. This is why a common goal and a common mga opisina o casino branch we strongly urge you and your dive in our income and in the face of the direction for our company, and sa kabila ng mga pagsubok na dependents to register and challenging operational environment. your support and understand- dala ng COVID-19. Ipagpatuloy avail of the vaccines in your ing at this time will help alle- natin ang ating dedikasyon sa respective LGUs or take what- viate our current situation. We trabaho at sama-sama tayong ever is readily available to you hope that these challenges will magdasal na muli tayong ba- for your immediate protection make us stronger individuals bangon at lalong tumibay sa from the virus. Getting vacci- and collectively, a more formi- mga darating pang mga pag- nated the soonest possible will – Andrea D. Domingo, Chairman and CEO dable and better workforce. subok. help protect the people around We strongly encourage you Stay safe and keep healthy! us and will keep us from expe- to report for work as soon as riencing severe symptoms or know that we have been a major casino operations. With our our casinos are allowed to re- from being seriously ill if we contributor to the government casinos re-opening, we will open and operate at a high- Yours truly, catch the virus. coffers since PAGCOR began. bounce back and have the oper capacity. We can no longer PAGCOR is undoubtedly a This fact gives us the reason to portunity to be financially sta- afford to let any opportunity to pillar in our government’s na- believe and to remain optimis- ble anew. And we will continue generate income go to waste if tion-building efforts. Though tic that once community quar- to play our roles as a major tax we do not have enough employ- ANDREA D. DOMINGO our business is not categorized antines are softened or lifted, payer, an employment provider, ees to serve returning custom- Chairman as an essential industry, we we will be allowed to resume a revenue generator and a val- ers. Rest assured that safety and Chief Executive Officer THE PAGCOR INSIDER 4 January-March 2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 4

Lemery Municipal Mayor Eulalio Alilio (3rd from left) and PAGCOR’s Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Commu- AVP Villaflor (2nd from left) and Agoncillo town Mayor Daniel Reyes (4th from left) bury the time cap- nity Relations Ramon Stephen Villaflor (4th from left) lead the burying of time capsule during the groundbreak- sule during the groundbreaking ceremony of the PAGCOR Village in Agoncillo, Batangas. Also in photo are ing ceremony of the PAGCOR Village in Lemery, Batangas. Also in photo are Lemery’s local officials. Batangas 3rd district Representative Ma. Theresa Collantes (5th from left) and the town’s local officials. ‘PAGCOR Village’ to house displaced families in two Batangas towns goncillo, Batangas -- While the Taal Volca- family became beneficiaries of no continues to show signs of possible phre- the PAGCOR Village in Agon- cillo. “Laking pasasalamat po Aatic eruption, endangering anew the fami- namin sa PAGCOR. Kung ang lies who were displaced by the volcano’s eruption kasalukuyang hanapbuhay last year, PAGCOR unveiled its newest charitable lang po namin ang aasahan, matatagalan po na makapag- project to safeguard the living condition of affect- patayo ulit kami ng bahay,” ed locals. she said. Agoncillo Mayor Daniel Reyes A brainchild project of Chair- access to roads, water and elec- said about 1,700 houses in their man and CEO Andrea Domingo, tricity. town were damaged during the the PAGCOR Villages broke Chairman and CEO Andrea Taal eruption and the series ground in the towns of Agoncillo Domingo said the project came of typhoons that battered the and Lemery on February 18, 2021. into fruition to provide more country in 2020. “Of this num- They are designed to provide per- concrete and long-term solu- ber, around 400 houses were manent shelters to less privileged tions to locals who were dis- completely destroyed. Kaya families who were displaced by placed by Taal Volcano’s erup- nagpapa-salamat po kami sa Taal Volcano’s eruption in Janu- tion last year. PAGCOR dahil mabibigyan ng ary 2020. Most of these families “When the Taal Volcano erupt- pabahay yung ilan naming remain homeless until now. ed in January 2020, we deployed Ginalyn Alcantara (middle), together with her husband and daughter, stand on the remains of what used to be their house’s living room. Since the Taal Volcano erupt- kababayan na wala na talag- Each PAGCOR Village has a volunteer PAGCOR employees ed in 2020, Ginalyn’s house--which she built after working for several years as a ang babalikan,” he said. funding of P30 million. Its main who immediately distributed food domestic helper in Malaysia--was turned into ruins. The volcano’s eruption caused Likewise, Lemery Mayor Eu- features include 100 units of and non-food essentials to af- ground displacement in Sitio Subic Ilaya in Agoncillo town, making their house un- lalio Alilio expressed his grati- 30-square-meter houses and an fected locals. However, the bigger fit for use. tude to PAGCOR for helping build arc or signage located at the en- problem was the loss of homes and a housing community for his dis- trance of the project site. properties of many families liv- in Malaysia, Alcantara narrated bahay. Lahat ng pagod ko sa placed constituents. “Dahil sa The PAGCOR Village in Le- ing in the towns surrounding the how she saved her salary for pagtatrabaho sa ibang ban- sunod-sunod na mga pagya- mery, which will be built in Brgy. volcano. Now, in spite of the ongo- seven years just to pay off the sa ay nabale-wala sa isang nig ng lupa, tumaas ang tubig Payapa Ilaya and Brgy. Talaga, ing pandemic, we launched this loan she incurred to build her iglap. Back to zero talaga sa ilang mga bayan na hindi are both outside the danger program not only to provide per- family’s dream house. kami,” she tearfully narrated. dati binabaha kaya maraming zone with up to 15 kilometers manent housing for Taal-affected “Nang pumutok ang Taal Alcantara’s family is tempo- mga pamilya ang wala nang distance. Meanwhile, the project families who have no means to noong nakaraang taon, nag- rarily living in her sister’s old babalikang bahay. Dahil din site in Agoncillo is in Brgy. San rebuild their homes, but to also karoon ng malalaking bitak house, as they have nowhere sa pandemic, depleted na ang Jacinto, which is 14 kilometers give them hope to rise above their ’yung bahay namin dahil sa else to stay. She added that be- pondo ng aming lokal na pa- away from the danger zone. situation,” she explained. sunod-sunod na lindol. Tu- cause of the pandemic, she and mahalaan kung kaya’t malak- The beneficiary local govern- Ginalyn Alcantara, 50, was mataas din yung tubig lawa. her partner make ends meet by ing tulong itong proyekto ng ment units’ counterparts are to one of the locals from Sitio Ilaya Dati lagpas pa sa 100 meters selling native rice cakes and PAGCOR,” he shared. provide the land where the hous- in Agoncillo who lost their home yung tubig mula sa bakuran tending to some backyard farm ...... ing project will be constructed during the Taal Volcano erup- namin pero ngayon, kinain animals. Text: Kristina Mae R. Ombao and ensure that the sites have tion. A former domestic helper na ng tubig pati ang loob ng Luckily, Alcantara and her Photos: Jesus S. Casabar

AVP Ramon Stephen Villaflor (left) turns over the agency’s P30 million grant to Lemery Municipal Mayor Eulalio Alilio (right) and Lemery’s Municipal Treasurer Rolando Macat- AVP Ramon Stephen Villaflor (left) turns over the P30 million grant to Agoncillo town Mayor Daniel Reyes (2nd from left). The angcay (middle). The amount will be used to build the PAGCOR Village in Lemery, Batan- amount will be used to build the PAGCOR Village in Agoncillo, Batangas which will provide 100 housing units to displaced locals gas. The project will provide 100 housing units to displaced locals who cannot afford to who cannot afford to rebuild their houses, following the Taal Volcano eruption in 2020. Also in photo are Batangas 3rd district rebuild their houses, following the Taal Volcano eruption in 2020. Representative Ma. Theresa Collantes (3rd from left) and Agoncillio town’s first lady Atty. Cindy Reyes (right).

MASS TESTING Lim, meanwhile, added that ary Services Department and such as the Daily Symptom As of this writing, the Depart- the agency did not want to be now HSWD, has been tirelessly Monitoring Report and vaccina- ment of Health (DOH) reported From Page 1 added to the list of government working to serve the needs of tion survey, issuing Fit to Work, that the total number of con- great and hardworking people offices that were forced to im- all employees - from scheduling promoting mental wellness, and firmed COVID-19 cases in the who help keep the company pose a lockdown after some of swab tests, gathering results, a lot more. Because of their non- country has ballooned to more afloat. It is among our primary their employees tested positive providing medical advice, ar- stop efforts, the HSWD doctors, than 1,100,000, with over a mil- obligations to keep them healthy for COVID-19. ranging hospital confinement, nurses, officers and staff may lion recoveries and more than and safe from this deadly virus,” Since the pandemic started hosting informative webinars, be considered the company’s he- 18,000 deaths recorded. Domingo expressed. in March 2020, then Auxilli- helping create IT programs roic frontliners. – Jesse C. Ong THE PAGCOR INSIDER 5 January-March 2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Andrea D. Domingo (middle) turns over a check worth P6.1 million to PhilFIDA Deputy Executive Director Annray Rivera (right). Also in photo is Vice President for Corporate Social Responsibility Group Jimmy Bondoc (left). PhilFIDA gains P6.1M VMMC obtains grant support for fiber industry

To help boost the production million na galing sa PAGCOR, to build halfway house of fibers in the country, PAG- upang matapos ang aming or several years, the sight of hospital decided to build a two-storey COR turned over P6.1 million existing cotton processing cen- building due to the issue of to the Philippine Fiber Industry ter,” she said. watchers staying uncomfortably in one height elevation. Development Authority (Phil- Rivera shared that the Philip- Fcorner of Veterans Memorial Medical Cen- In a letter dated September FIDA), the government agency pines produces different types of ter (VMMC) while attending to the needs of their 28, 2020, Chiong stated that in-charge of developing and sus- natural fibers such as abaca, cot- the hospital took into consid- taining the fiber industry. ton, pineapple, silk, among others. confined loved ones had hospital director Dr. eration the difficulty that elder According to PAGCOR Chair- These fibers are being used to pro- Dominador Chiong, Jr. dreaming hard to build a guests may encounter during man and CEO Andrea D. Domin- duce various products like textile, shelter dedicated for them. their stay in the dormitory. He go, the financial grant "shall be handicrafts, infant products, surgi- also noted the hazard that a used for the construction of the cal face masks, drug testing kits “In the past, each day I official decided to seek PAG- high structure may cause to he- Phase II building of PhilFIDA’s and even parts for airplanes and reported for work, it always COR’s help and was fortunately licopters landing at the helipad Ilocos Cotton Processing Center cars. Local weavers also use the broke my heart seeing those granted P123.6 million to finally near the proposed site. as well as for the supply, deliv- country’s fibers to produce clothes. people enduring a difficult stay set in motion his longtime wish Chiong said that he could ery, installation, and testing of She added that the country at the hospital for the duration of building a two-storey halfway not have realized his dream of cotton fiber processing equip- is the largest producer of abaca of their patients’ confinement house or dormitory for the fami- building a comfortable facility ment in Ilocos Norte." fibers, supplying about 87% of as we didn’t have a permanent lies and watchers of soldiers for the hospital watchers with- PhilFIDA Deputy Executive the world’s requirement for the place for the watchers,” he re- confined in the hospital. out the generosity of PAGCOR, Director Annray Rivera said the production of various materials. called. VMMC Public Relations which has been consistently phase II of the processing center “Kami sa PhilFIDA ang na- Chiong’s desire to construct Unit Chief Juanito Montefalcon pouring aid on different public is where the cotton yarns will ngangalaga at nagpaparami a comfortable facility for hospi- personally received the check medical institutions especially be processed, and the donation ng natural fibers ng bansa. We tal watchers remained a wish from PAGCOR Chairman and in this time of the pandemic. from PAGCOR will help facili- work to achieve an industry capa- for a long time due to lack of CEO Andrea Domingo, who “I’m very thankful to PAG- tate the work of cotton farmers. ble of meeting the global demands funds to build one. Back then, was joined in the brief turnover COR for funding our halfway “Sa ngayon, konti ang pro- for renewable and environment- the absence of donors made it rites last February 24, 2021 house project, which would duction area natin, konti lang friendly materials. We are very even harder for him to realize by the agency’s President and greatly benefit the watchers of ang nagagamit sa atin na cot- grateful for the generous support his dream that the plan almost COO Alfredo Lim and Directors our patients as they will now ton. Ang ating President Ro- from PAGCOR. Malaking tulong stayed at the backburner for- Carmen Pedrosa and Reynaldo have an ideal place to stay drigo Duterte ay nakita ang ito sa ating farmers at upang ever. Concordia. when they need to rest,” he con- kalagayan kaya nais nyang maitaguyod pa ang ating local “The huge cost the project The proposed halfway house cluded. tulungan ang ating cotton fiber industry,” Rivera expressed. made it very difficult for us to was originally planned to be ...... farmers. Kaya nagbigay ang ...... find a sponsor,” Chiong said. a three-storey structure, but Text: Jesse C. Ong gobyerno ng tulong sa Phil- Text: Darren B. Agaton That was when the VMMC Chiong said that they instead Photo: Ronaldo A. Gatpandan FIDA, at kasama dito ang P6.1 Photo: Ronaldo A. Gatpandan

NICA gets aid for service vehicle National Intelligence Coordi- nating Agency (NICA) Execu- tive Director Atty. Roberton Lapuz receives from PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Andrea Domingo the gaming firm’s P1.1 million grant for the pro- Red Cross receives donation for van procurement curement of an additional vehicle to be used in the agen- The Philippine Red Cross Pampanga-Angeles City Chapter, rep- cy's operations. resented by its Officer-In-Charge Rowena Flores, received P3.5 The turnover of donation million from PAGCOR last February 24, 2021 for the procurement activities relative to national Alfredo Lim and Director Rey- was held at PAGCOR's Execu- of two vans that would help transport their personnel and various intelligence, and assessment of naldo Concordia also graced tive Office in Manila on March blood collecting equipment paraphernalia during blood collection local and foreign situations for the turn over of check to NICA. 16, 2021...... programs and in events of calamities and disasters. the formulation of national poli- ...... NICA is responsible for the cies by the President. Text: Jesse C. Ong Photo: Jayson M. Petate Photo: Ronaldo A. Gatpandan coordination of all government PAGCOR President and COO

Philippine Science High School Foundation receives grant for students’ mental wellness programs The Philippine Science High School Foundation, Inc. (PSHS- FI) received P500,000 financial PAGCOR gives assistance to Southern Police grant from PAGCOR on Janu- ary 28, 2021 to support the District for bike purchase foundation’s “Sound Mind Mat- Chairman and CEO Andrea Domingo (middle) turns over the agency’s P500,000 financial grant to Philippine Science High School Foundation, Inc. Executive Director In support of Southern Police for faster police response. ters”, a project designed to help Linda Cordova (2nd from right) on January 28, 2021. Also in photo are (from left) District’s (SPD) commitment to “Unfortunately, SPD is inca- Philippine Science High School Director Carmen Pedrosa, President and COO Alfredo Lim, and Director Reynaldo immediately address the safety pable of providing motorcycles (PSHS) students cope with men- Concordia. concerns among the cities and due to unavailability of re- tal and emotional stress. commercial centers within its sources, resulting to the delay PSHS is one of the premier ications”. Cordova added that we also contribute to the well- command, PAGCOR granted of response during crisis situa- secondary schools in the coun- PAGCOR has been one of PSHS- being of Filipino students, in- P4.3 million to SPD last Febru- tions. We’re very thankful that try. FI’s benefactors even during the cluding their mental and emo- ary to procure 10 units of 650cc PAGCOR heeded our request PSHSFI Executive Director previous administrations. tional wellness,” she said. motorcycles to be used by its for financial assistance to en- Linda Cordova, who received Meanwhile, PAGCOR Chair- PSHSFI is a non-stock, non- operatives. able us to realize our commit- the check during the simple man and CEO Andrea Domingo government organization estab- According to SPD District Di- ment to effectively safeguard turnover rites at PAGCOR’s Ex- underscored the corporation’s lished in 1978. It provides finan- rector Police Brigadier General the security of those within our ecutive Office in Malate, Manila, commitment to provide signifi- cial support to PSHS especially Eliseo Cruz, they need to pro- district,” said Cruz. shared that PAGCOR’s donation cant contributions to the dif- to its less privileged students. mote a more proactive commu- ...... “can assist more students in ferent sectors of society. “Apart ...... nity in crime prevention through Text: Jesse C. Ong their psychological and psychi- from allocating funds for vari- Text: Ciara M. Tanchoco continuing police visibility and Photo: Ronaldo A. Gatpandan atric therapy sessions and med- ous socio-civic infrastructure, Photo: Ronaldo A. Gatpandan THE PAGCOR INSIDER 6 January-March 2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Fire victims get aid from PAGCOR Marilao, Bulacan Vice President for Corporate Social Responsibility Group Jimmy Bondoc addresses the fire victims of Marilao, Bulacan on January 19, 2021.

Tambo, Parañaque PAGCOR Community Relations and Ser- vices Department representative Dani- lo Ramos turns over the relief packs for Construction worker Alvin Condat happily shows the 22 affected families of the Baran- the contents of the relief pack that he and his gay Tambo, Paranaque fire to Barangay family received from PAGCOR. Captai Jenn Quizon on February 6, 2021.

Tanyag, Taguig Tramo, Pasay PAGCOR immediately sent aid to 82 families who were left homeless after a fire gutted their homes in Tramo, Pasay City last Thirty-two families were affected by the January 23, 2021. Barangay Tanyag, Taguig City fire last PAGCOR’s relief February 9, 2021. Barangay Captain Ce- operation was held cile Teodoro receives the relief packs on January 26, Alabang, Muntinlupa from PAGCOR representative Mathew 2021. Barangay Virtucio. Chairwoman Perlita Senior Community Development Officer Danilo Ramos hands over a relief pack to Advincula received Barangay Captain Tintin Abas (2nd from left) during PAGCOR’s relief operations the donations on on January 20, 2021 for the fire victims of Barangay Alabang, Muntinlupa. Also Text: Carol Joanne Pauline C. Premacio behalf of the fire Photos: Jesus S. Casabar victims. in photo are the Councilors of said barangay. and Jayson M. Petate Mindoro, Pampanga towns receive wheelchairs Two towns from the provinces of Occidental Mindoro and Pam- panga received ten wheelchairs each from PAGCOR. These will be distributed to underprivileged persons with disability in said areas. Representatives from the municipalities of Sablayan in Oc- cidental Mindoro and Bacolor in Pampanga formally accepted the agency’s wheelchair donations from Senior Community Development Officer Danilo Ra- mos in a simple turnover ceremony held at the PAGCOR Nay- Representatives from the local government unit of Bacolor in Pampanga (photo ong Pilipino Complex in Pasay above), and the local government unit of Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro (right pho- City. to) formally receive from Senior Community Development Officer Danilo Ramos the ...... wheelchairs donated by PAGCOR for underprivileged persons with disability in their Jasper D. Valencia localities. Photos: Jesus S. Casabar

Official Newsletter Corporate of the Philippine James Patrick R. Bondoc CMED: Fatima Evaliza B. Talag, Compliance and Monitoring Agent II Amusement and and Carmelita V. Valdez, Executive Editors Joanna F. Mateo, Assistant Compliance Monitoring, and Enforcement Officer Ma. Jessica T. Arambulo Gaming Corporation Maria Eliza A. Perena, Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Officer II and Kristina Mae R. Ombao, Editors Jennyline G. Cortez, Senior Enforcement and Training Officer Mario R. Galapate, Creative Director PASED: Janmari Aila F. Arroyo, Administrative Assistant ...... PD: Marjorie F. Suarez, Senior Manager II Writers Artists Branches Ciara M. Tanchoco Edwin C. Censon Angeles: Manuel B. Perez, Senior Human Resource Officer Jesse C. Ong Michael Angelo C. Tolentino Marjorie Dc. Yandan, Human Resource Officer II Darren B. Agaton Erlito R. Casamina Joy Edward A. Manalang, Dealer IV ...... Kristoffer Jake B. Pasano Bacolod: Lezyl M. Kim, Secutiry Staff II; Carol Joanne Pauline C. Premacio Photographers Carmela D. Tabora, Adminitrative Assistant Jesus S. Casabar Jasper D. Valencia Davao: Milagros C. Payac, Pit Manager Ronaldo A. Gatpandan Malate: Ma. Adela V. Dator, Customer Relations Officer I January-March 2021 Jayson M. Petate ...... Olongapo: Cherryl Pelayo-Dacua, Senior Branch Administrative Manager ...... SOG 4: Juan Carlo B. Cervo, Customer Relations Assistant SOG 5: Ben-Hur S. Enriquez, Dealer IV Suggestions, comments and contributions are welcome. Address all communications Tagaytay: Ronald C. Melendres, Dealer IV; to the Information and Publication Unit, Corporate Communications Department Eliza A. Dela Cruz, Senior Customer Relations Officer; 5th Floor, Carmen Building, U.N. Ave., cor. Maria Orosa St., Manila | Tel. Nos.: (02) 7-755-3699/(02) 7-755-3799 Adrian B. Sobrepena, Assistant Security Officer e-mail addresses: [email protected] or [email protected] Winford: Shella Lyn S. De Guzman, Pit Manager; www.pagcor.ph Nelson L. Roman, Senior Administrative Officer; Baby Boy M. Haro, Pit Officer II

ERRATUM: In the 3rd paragraph of the article entitled “PAGCOR attends national anti-money laundering committee meeting”, which was published in the 2020 4th quarter issue of the PAG- COR Insider, the late Mr. Nestor Espenilla was inadvertently named as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor who was among those present during the National Anti-Money Laundering Countering the Financing of Terrorism Coordinating Committee. It should have read BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno. THE PAGCOR INSIDER 7 January-March 2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY PAGCOR releases over P400-M for multi-purpose evacuation center project ince it launched the Multi-Purpose Evacuation Center (MPEC) project Sin November 2020, PAGCOR has already released a total of P413,950,000 as of March 31, 2021 to jumpstart the construction of typhoon-resilient evacuation structures around the country.

Said amount, which is almost a quarter of the P2 bil- lion MPEC budget, represents the first tranche of funding for identified project beneficiaries. Most of the priority beneficiaries are localities that are in the direct path of typhoons. According to Chairman and CEO Andrea Domingo, the MPEC project is a testament of PAGCOR’s continu- dignity of less privileged Filipinos,” Domingo said. Meanwhile, the third scheme, with P50 million ing commitment to nation-building. PAGCOR has adopted three schemes of donation de- budget includes a two-storey full scale multi-purpose “While this will not be possible if not for our hard- pending on the site and need of the province. evacuation center with provision for kitchen area, working and dedicated employees, the support of our The first scheme, which has a budget of P12.7 million storage areas for relief goods, toilet and shower partner local government units (LGUs) is equally im- includes provision of a basketball court which will serve rooms for male and female, lactating rooms for nurs- portant for this project to prosper. We hope that these as an alternative evacuation center. ing mothers, and a spacious badminton-court type evacuation centers will not only provide temporary The second scheme with a budget of P27.9 million in- area that may be used for sports events and other shelters to affected families in times of calamities, but cludes provision of a covered court with bleachers and purposes such as trainings, when it is not being used also serve as instruments for preserving the lives and toilets. as an evacuation site.

PAGCOR President and COO Alfredo Lim (3rd from left) officially awards the agency’s initial P13,950,000 grant to San Andres Municipal Administrator Ferdinand Lacbayo (2nd from right) for the construction of a Multi-Purpose Evacuation Center worth P27.9 million in Barangay Poblacion, San Andres, Quezon. With them in photo are (from left) PAGCOR Asst. VP for Community Relations and Services Ramon Stephen Villaflor, PAGCOR Office of the President Chief of Staff Atty. Alberto Regino, Jr. and San Andres Municipal Treasurer Mary Joan Rejano.

Catarman in Northern Samar. CCEO Andrea Catarman, N. Samar PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Andrea Domingo (2nd from left), President and COO Al- Domingo and President and COO (PCOO) Al- fredo Lim (3rd from left) and Director Reynaldo Concordia (extreme left) turn over he latest to receive initial funding of fredo Lim officially turned over the check to the state-run gaming firm’s initial P25 million grant to Catarman Municipal Mayor P25 million for an MPEC as of the first Catarman Municipal Mayor Francisco Ro- Francisco Rosales, Jr. (extreme right) for the construction of a P50 million evacua- T quarter of 2021 was the municipality of sales, Jr. on March 16, 2021. tion center in Catarman, Northern Samar.

PAGCOR Chief of Staff Alberto Regino, Jr. (9th from left) and Tapaz Municipal Mayor Roberto Palomar (8th from left) are PAGCOR Chief of Staff Alberto Regino, Jr. (3rd from left) hands Tapaz Municipal Mayor Ro- assisted by Executive Assistant to the Mayor Milagros Palomar (6th from left) and Tapaz Municipal Vice Mayor Ma. Fe berto Palomar (2nd from right) the mock check representing the agency’s P50 million do- Gardose (7th from left) in laying the time capsule during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a Multi- nation for the construction of a Multi-Purpose Evacuation Center in Barangay Carida. Also Purpose Evacuation Center in Barangay Carida. Joining them in the activity are Casino Filipino Bacolod Branch Manager in photo are (from left) Casino Filipino Bacolod Branch Manager Jose Marciano Bautista, Jose Marciano Bautista (3rd from right), PAGCOR AVP for Community Relations and Services Ramon Stephen Villaflor PAGCOR AVP for Community Relations and Services Ramon Stephen Villaflor and Tapaz (4th from right) and other municipal officials. Municipal Vice Mayor Ma. Fe Gardose.

PAGCOR funded the construction of the much-needed homes during calamities,” said Tapaz Municipal Mayor Tapaz, capiz edifice. Roberto Palomar. The soon-to-rise building broke ground on March 5, The local chief executive added that the state-of-the- ith its picturesque charm, no one would think 2021 in Barangay Carida, alongside the release of the art MPEC to be built in Tapaz will not only help cushion that this first-class town of Tapaz in the prov- P25 million initial funding to jumpstart its construction. the effects of future disasters that will hit the town, but Wince of Capiz is often visited by violent weather “It was an answered prayer. God heeded what we’ve will also serve as an additional space where they can disturbances that leave most of its residents scrambling been asking for. We may be categorized as a first-class hold some of their special events and activities. “This for help without a safe and comfortable place to stay. municipality, but we don’t have enough funds to build evacuation center will really be very helpful to us in so But the long wait for an emergency shelter, which loan emergency facility to house all evacuees from our many ways. The people of Tapaz will treasure this aid cals can utilize in times of calamities finally ended after upland communities each time they need to leave their from PAGCOR forever,” he stated. THE PAGCOR INSIDER CENTERSPREAD January-March 2021 CORPORATE SOCIALFEATURE RESPONSIBILITY

PAGCOR officials headed by Chairman and CEO An- TADIAN, MOUNTAIN PROVINCE drea Domingo (3rd from left) and President and imilarly, Tadian, Mountain Province received the first tranche COO Alfredo Lim (4th from – or P25 million of the P50 million MPEC funding for their town. left) turn over the check PAGCOR turned over the amount during the groundbreaking representing the agency’s S financial grant to Rom- ceremony on January 22, 2021. Officials of Mountain Province Governor Bonifacio Lacwasan, Jr. thanked blon Governor Jose Riano PAGCOR and (2nd from right) for the Mountain PAGCOR for embarking on another life-changing project. “PAGCOR construction of a Multi- Province has benefited our province in so many ways. We became recipient Purpose Evacuation Center lead the of its school building project, computer and schoolkits donation pro- at Sibuyan District Hospi- groundbreaking gram,” he shared. tal Compound. Also in photo ceremony of a Lacwasan added that the MPEC project in Tadian will benefit not are (from left) PAGCOR Vice multi-purpose President for Corporate So- only the town’s residents but also nearby communities. evacuation cial Responsibility Jimmy Dominador Gondran, a councilor in Tadian’s Brgy. Kayan West center in Bondoc, PAGCOR Direc- recalled how the 2009 landslide claimed the lives of more than 30 tor Reynaldo Concordia and Tadian, locals in their barangay. While he is thankful that his family survived Mountain Romblon Provincial Admin- CAJIDIOCAN, the tragic event, Gondran remarked that having a well-constructed istrator Atty. Lizette Mortel. Province on ROMBLON January 22, evacuation center in their community will greatly benefit the com- 2021. munity. n February 11, 2021, PAGCOR sealed its partner- cion, Cajidiocan, Romblon. “PAGCOR has been very generous to us. Apart from this ship with the provincial government of Romblon af- Romblon Governor Jose Riano, who personally received evacuation center, we have been a recipient of PAGCOR’s Oter the agency approved the P50 million grant for the P25 million check – or first tranche of the funding – many valuable programs, such as the school building proj- the construction of a two-storey MPEC, which will be con- shared that the MPEC to be built in their province will ben- ect, computer and school kits donations, and relief opera- structed in Sibuyan District Hospital Compound in Pobla- efit three municipalities in Sibuyan Island. tions,” he said.

DINAS, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR

he local government of Dinas, Zamboanga del Sur PAGCOR officials (from likewise received P25 million – or the first tranche left) Director Reynaldo Tof funding for the two-storey MPEC to be built in the Concordia, Chairman town’s Brgy. Legarda Uno. and CEO Andrea Vice Mayor Matt Nian, who personally received the Domingo and President check during a simple turnover on February 11, 2021 at and COO Alfredo Lim PAGCOR’s Executive Office, assured that they will do their formally turn over the best to properly implement the project. financial grant to Vice “This project will definitely benefit the residents of Di- Mayor Matt Nian of President and COO Alfredo Lim (5th from left) and Sagñay Municipal Mayor Marco Chavez of San Jose, Camarines Sur (right) ceremonially re- Dinas, Zamboanga del President and COO Alfredo Lim (2nd from left) buries the time capsule to Mayor John Vincent Fuentebella (extreme right) bury the time capsule ceives PAGCOR’s P50 million funding for the construction of a two-storey nas, especially during calamities. This is the first time that Sur for the construction we are in partnership with PAGCOR. We will do our best officially mark the start of construction of the two-storey multi-purpose to officially mark the start of construction of the two-storey multi-pur- multi-purpose evacuation center in their municipality. Of the P50 million of a Multi-Purpose evacuation center in Tigaon, Camarines Sur. Also in photo are (from pose evacuation center in Sagñay, Camarines Sur. Also in photo are earmarked fund, P25 million was already released to the local government to take good care of the opportunity given to us,” he cited. Evacuation Center at left) Tigaon’s Municipal Mayor Pamela Rinah Fuentebella, PAGCOR Di- VP for Social Responsibility Group Jimmy Bondoc (extreme left), AVP unit. (From left) PAGCOR’s VP for Social Responsibility Group Jimmy Bon- Brgy. Legarda Uno. rector Reynaldo Concordia, Office of the President and COO Chief of for Community Relations Ramon Stephen Villaflor (2nd from left), PAG- doc, AVP for Community Relations Ramon Stephen Villaflor, President and Staff Atty. Alberto Regino, AVP for Community Relations Ramon Stephen COR Director Reynaldo Concordia (6th from left) and the local officials COO Chief of Staff Atty. Alberto Regino, and PAGCOR Director Reynaldo Villaflor, and VP for Social Responsibility Group Jimmy Bondoc. of Sagñay. Concordia also graced the event. PAGCOR President and COO Alfredo Lim (6th from left) place to stay whenever strong typhoons batter the coun- corded to their municipalities. and San Andres, Quezon CAMARINES SUR try. “Our town is in the path of typhoons. Just November Mayor Giovanne Lim pose for a photo opportunity after our typhoon-prone barangays in Camarines Sur – “Not everyone has the capacity to build typhoon-resil- last year, we experienced three typhoons in a matter of the latter received from the Hibago in Ocampo, Vinagre in Tigaon, Salogon in ient houses. Hence, most of the time, people go to public 17 days. Maswerte na lang kami dahil zero casualty sa agency the mock check rep- FSan Jose, and San Isidro in Sagñay were beneficia- classrooms to seek temporary shelter, causing disrup- aming bayan. Pero halos nasa 3,000 na bahay ang na- resenting the state-run gam- ries of two-storey typhoon-resilient MPECs that can with- tion in the students’ daily classes,” he said. “With PAG- sira at maraming kabuhayan ang naapektuhan. With ing firm’s P50 million dona- stand heavy rains and ferocious wind velocity of up to 340 COR’s MPEC project, we can provide a safe, sturdy and this soon to be constructed evacuation center from PAG- tion for the construction of kilometers per hour. comfortable shelter to our less privileged kababayans, COR, we can ensure the safety of our constituents,” said a Multi-Purpose Evacuation With a budget of P50 million each, the facilities are ex- at the same time, we can help avoid the disruption of Tigaon Mayor Pamela Rinah Fuentebella. Center in Barangay Camflo- pected to be completed within a year. classes.” From November to December 2020, PAGCOR released ra. With them in photo are PCOO Lim, who spearheads PAGCOR’s MPEC project, Meanwhile, the local chief executives of Ocampo, Ti- the first tranche of MPEC funding for these local govern- PAGCOR officials (from left) AVP for Corporate Commu- underscored the importance of providing locals – who gaon, San Jose, and Sagñay expressed their gratitude to ment-beneficiaries: Legazpi City and Ligao in Albay; San nications Carmelita Valdez, are living in typhoon-prone communities – with a safe PAGCOR for the aid that the state-gaming agency has ac- Fernando and Floridablanca in Pampanga. AVP for Community Relations and Services Ramon Stephen Villaflor, Chief of Staff Albert Regino, Jr., VP for Corporate Sixty-nine-year-old Nelda Verasis recounts how ALBAY Social Responsibility Group their then concrete seaside dream house was de- Jimmy Bondoc, Director Rey- stroyed by gigantic storm surge during the on- naldo Concordia and local of- slaught of Typhoon Tisoy in 2019, forcing them to ficials of the town. relocate in an upland community in Sitio Dao, Ba- SAN ANDRES, QUEZON rangay Talisay in San Andres, Quezon.

ven if her family now lives in an upland communi- how the concrete dream house they built from selling live- ceived P25 million, while Barangay Poblacion got P27.9 ty several hundred meters away from the sea in Sitio stock disappeared in an instant. million, representing fifty percent of project costs. EDao, San Andres, Quezon, 69-year-old Nelda Verasis Like most coastal communities in San Andres, Talisay “Napakahalaga po ng pagkakaroon ng mga istruk- could not help but worry each time the weather gets stormy. is in constant threat of storm surges during the onslaught turang talagang matatawag na evacuation centers dito Nearly two years since raging seawater spawned by Ty- of strong typhoons. sa aming bayan na madalas bayuhin ng malalakas phoon Tisoy washed away their seaside home, the mem- To help ease the plight of locals, PAGCOR funded the na bagyo, lalo na po ‘yung mga nakatira malapit sa ory of how they frantically evacuated their abode to seek construction of MPECs in three barangays in San An- dagat. Hindi po sapat ang mga existing facilities na- refuge in a cramped daycare center remained vivid in her dres to provide a safe shelter to locals during severe min gaya ng mga paaralan at training centers para mind. weather disturbances. ma-accommodate lahat ng mga apektadong residen- “Wala kaming ibang matuluyan kundi doon kasi Groundbreaking rites were held on February 5, 2021 te sa mga panahon ng kalamidad,” said San Andres iyon ang pinakamalapit na ligtas na lugar para sa in Barangays Camflora, Mangero and Poblacion. The events Mayor Giovanne Lim as he thanked the state-run gam- amin. May nagsabi na lang sa amin na winasak na were graced by key PAGCOR officials led by PCOO Lim. ing firm for initiating another major project that would ng malalaking alon yung bahay namin,” she recounted Barangays Camflora and Mangero each initially re- benefit his constituents. PAGCOR President and COO Alfredo Lim (3rd from left) turns over the agency’s P50 million mock check to Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua (2nd from right). The amount represents PAGCOR’s allocated funds PAGCOR President and COO Alfredo Lim (4th from left) turns over the agency’s P50 million mock check to for the construction of a Multi-purpose Evacuation Center in Brgy. Tomolin, Ligao City. Also in photo are (from PAGCOR President and COO Alfredo Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal (3rd from left). The amount represents PAGCOR’s allocated funds for the con- left) PAGCOR Director Reynaldo Concordia, Albay 3rd District Representative Fernando Cabredo and PAG- n anuary J 22, 2021, PAGCOR headed north to fund Lim (front, 5th from left) turns over struction of a multi-purpose evacuation center in Legazpi City. COR’s Chief of Staff (for President and COO) Atty. Alberto Regino. the construction of an MPEC project in Tagudin, Ilo- the P50 million mock cheque to Ocos Sur. Tagudin Mayor Roque Verzosa, Jr. During the groundbreaking ceremonies, PAGCOR turned (front, 4th from right) during the over the initial funding of P25 million to the local government groundbreaking ceremony of the multi- Pampanga of Tagudin to kick-start the construction a two-storey evacu- purpose evacuation center in the ation center in the town worth P50 million. municipality. Also in photo are (front, Tagudin Mayor Roque Verzosa, Jr. expressed his grati- from left) PAGCOR Vice President for tude to the agency for receiving another significant project Corporate Social Responsibility Group Jimmy Bondoc, Chief of Staff Alberto for their municipality. Regino Jr., Assistant Vice President “In the past, PAGCOR already answered our call for for Community Relations and Services additional classrooms, town transportation service, and Ramon Stephen Villaflor, Director construction materials for our less fortunate kababayans. Reynaldo Concordia, Father Cristeto Now, PAGCOR granted us this multi-purpose evacuation Cortez, Tagudin Vice Mayor Bernardo center, which will benefit Tagudinians especially in times Tovera, Jr., Municipal Administrator of calamities,” he said. TAGUDIN, ILOCOS SUR Atty. Vismarf Lazaga. The town’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Engineer Michael Padayao likewise explained that evacuation center from PAGCOR, affected residents will “We at PAGCOR strive to bring government services to the soon-to-rise MPEC in their municipality will be of great no longer hesitate to evacuate as they are assured of a those who are in dire need, even to remote communities. help to locals who need to evacuate to safer places during comfortable place to stay in times of disasters,” he said. We hope and pray that these services will alleviate the typhoons. PCOO Lim, who graced the groundbreaking ceremony conditions of our kababayans especially those who have PAGCOR’s Corporate Social Responsibility Group Vice President Jimmy Bondoc (4th from left) turns over the PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Andrea Domingo turns over the mock check amounting to P50 million to the prov- “We have 11 coastal barangays which can be heavily in Tagudin, underscored the corporation’s commitment to less in life.” mock check worth P50 million to Floridablanca Mayor Darwin Manalansan (5th from left) for the construction ince of Pampanga. The amount will be used for the construction of multi-purpose evacuation center in San affected during typhoon seasons. With this multi-purpose provide much-needed assistance to far-flung communities. of MPEC to be built in Basa Palmayo Ressetlement Area in Floridablanca. Fernando City...... Text: Kristina Mae R. Ombao, Jesse C. Ong, Ciara M. Tanchoco, and Darren B. Agaton; Photos: Jesus S. Casabar, Ronaldo A. Gatpandan and Jayson M. Petate THE PAGCOR INSIDER 10 January-March 2021 THE DEPARTMENTS

MWR team conducts Basic Mountaineering course he Morale Wel- fare and Recre- Tation (MWR) Di- vision successfully conducted a well-attended Basic Mountaineering Course from February 19 to 21 at the scenic Si- erra Madre Mountain Resort in Tanay, Rizal.

The event, which was facilitated by PAGCOR’s Outdoor Fun Club (POFC), served as the culmination of a 10-part webinar series on Basic Mountain- eering. The webinar series may be accessed on the POFC and Active PAGCORians Facebook pages. A total of 80 employees from the Corporate offices, Casino Filipino branches and satellite operations groups participated in the camping seminar. Both the event’s participants and coordinators made sure that they adhered to the health taineering experts from Team protocols being implemented Nomad and Project Ronin were by the Tanay local government tapped to provide the lectures. unit. Event marshals headed Applying what they learned by Dealer IV Divinagracia Es- in the program, the graduates cala of the Health Services and of the mountaineering course Wellness Department (HSWD)- climbed the Sierra Madre MWR and Pit Officer II Manuel Mountain Resort Prayer Moun- How my experiences Santiago of CF Manila Bay tain and Mini-Falls as part were deployed to monitor the of their nature appreciation. use of face masks and obser- There were two batches divided as CMED personnel vance of physical distancing. in four groups of 10 to observe The group also supervised the social distancing protocols. The distribution of food with the as- first half went mountain–climb- inspired me to open sistance of Dealer IV Noah Lazo ing on Feb.19-20 while the sec- facilitated by their club, which of CF Manila Bay. ond half went on Feb. 20-21. Ex- conducts year-round hikes, Among the things taught in citing cook-off battles were held trekking and multi-day moun- my own business the course were the different on both dates to the delight of taineering events. ideals, skills and knowledge in the participants. With the success of the pro- mountaineering such as climb- According to POFC interim gram, the POFC is now looking Even when most businesses ing ethics and the “leave no president Pit Officer II Baby Boy forward to holding more basic closed shop in 2020, I took my trace principle of outdoors”. Haro of CF Winford, the event mountaineering courses in the biggest leap of fate to open my Seasoned mentors and moun- was the most attended program future. – Baby Boy M. Haro first food business this year. How I came up with the business strategy and what made me decide on this new venture can be attributed to what I have learned as part of the Bingo and Licensed Casino Monitoring Di- visions. In 2009, I was a Bingo Monitor- ing Clerk in Go-Go Bingo Grand Central Caloocan. The manager during that time created programs to generate more sales on weekends, upon the approval of PAGCOR’s Bingo Monitoring Division. The strategy helped attract customers from nearby areas of Malabon and Quezon City. Unfortunately, the venue folded up when the mall was razed by fire about a decade ago. Then I transferred to LCMD and became a PMT at Resorts World Manila, where I learned how to compute Casino Table Income and witnessed how the How PD personnel adopt to remote work set-up casino worked on a daily basis. I was exposed to activities Working from home (WFH) is message whenever there is a ing too much time onscreen is involving pre-operations, table something that many compa- need for immediate attention tiring to the eyes, especially re-designations, change chips, nies have adopted while strict or information to be relayed to those who have poor vision. closing and opening inventories, community quarantine mea- management or to another de- Also, working remotely some- and other things that the opera- sures are being implemented as partment. times takes even your “me- tor normally does to maximize cases of COVID-19 in the coun- Likewise, zoom meetings have time”, as many tasks require profitability and space. I also got try surge. become a norm. The Bids and immediate action. to taste the world-class menus For the Procurement Depart- Awards (BAC) meetings -- among When one is lucky, all re- and witnessed top-rate enter- and Slot Machines, I offered ment (PD), our day starts with other important discussions -- quired tasks for the day are tainment offered by the casino budget meals to attract “small a morning greeting in our PD which used to be done face-to- done by 5 p.m. As the day ends, to attract quality players. players”. And just like pack- viber group to log our atten- face, are now heavily reliant on all accomplished tasks for the These experiences gave me ages sold in Traditional Bingo dance, and signify our readi- the digital meeting platform. day are submitted by employ- ideas on how to put up a small venues, we serve “bilao meals” ness to begin the workday at The Outlook is likewise ac- ees. It is only then that we can eatery which turned out to be an to give a handful of choices for home. tive as pertinent documents finally spend time with family, al fresco dining named “Veran- larger groups. At 9:00 a.m., our depart- are mainly sent or received via do chores at home or watch a da” located at the second floor The way CMED shaped me to ment’s chat group becomes a email. movie. of a commercial establishment. analyze figures and monitor the nonstop site for discussions, But while working remotely For PD personnel, working- It took me a year to decide my external environment guided me work assignments, follow-up is safe and seemingly conve- from-home is never dull. It can menu board – from basic silog to understand the complexity of of documents to be reviewed, nient, it also has challenges. be challenging. But as always, meals to sizzling plate dishes running a small business. We signed and transmitted to other Foremost, internet signal at we are grateful that PAGCOR and group meals. gave the area a different ambi- departments, among other per- home is sometimes slow or in- looks after our safety through My inventory started on a low ance just like the casinos and we tinent tasks. termittent. Likewise, reading this alternative work arrange- budget. Guided by the principles now have returning customers. A name is often tagged in a scanned documents or spend- ment. – Marjorie F. Suarez of Return to Player in E-Bingo – Fatima Evaliza B. Talag THE PAGCOR INSIDER 11 January-March 2021 THE DEPARTMENTS

Lovein the time of a pandemic heir love story began in 2015 when they were both hired as Security Staff trainees. Emer- Tson Hernando and Ruth Camille Labao immediately discovered that they were alike in many ways that they easily fell for each other.

The first tough test to their then blossoming relationship came when work forced them to be apart – with Emerson being assigned in CF Davao and Ruth, in CF Pavilion. ding will happen one day. Since they both have not had During Emerson’s quarantine, any long distance relationships only Ruth was able to care for in the past, not being together him. His parents could not risk physically initially posed a huge exposure because of their age. challenge to their relationship. Ruth was helpless seeing her fi- But thanks to modern technol- ancé suffering and in pain. Her ogy, they remained connected worst fear was losing him to the through video calls, chats and deadly disease. And as if their emails. It took a year and six suffering was not enough, Emer- months before they were able son tested positive again in his to see each other again after confirmatory PCR test after his Emerson was finally assigned in everything ahead. They started isolation period. Manila. to look for wedding coordina- It was at that time that they Moving forward, last October tors, suppliers and scout for the decided to call off their target 24, 2019, Ruth just came back church and wedding reception wedding day and instead fo- from an official trip from Davao venue. cused their energy on Emerson’s when Emerson surprised her As Emerson and Ruth were recuperation and recovery. Fi- with a marriage proposal. finalizing the details of their no longer available and hotels Emerson tested positive for nally, on October 17, 2020 – their The special moment was wit- union, the COVID-19 pandemic could not accommodate guests COVID-19. It was emotionally- supposed wedding day – he test- nessed by friends and office- struck in the first quarter of anymore. The couple had no draining, physically-exhausting ed negative. mates who were at the airport 2020. Their guest list of 200 was choice but to drop their prelimi- and most of all, heart-breaking. Through the help of family, to welcome Ruth back. Follow- reduced to 30. nary plans and move on. Everything was put on hold. friends and relatives, they final- ing their engagement, the cou- When initial suppliers can- A bigger test came when, a The couple just prayed and held ly exchanged vows on November ple were both excited to plan celled, their venue of choice was month prior to their wedding, on to the belief that their wed- 10, 2020. – Maria Eliza A. Perena CMED ensures the safety of pregnant employees Pregnancy is not always easy nant personnel are fortunate as some women experience because in spite of the depart- morning sickness, nausea, fa- ment’s goal to improve person- tigue and sleepless nights. nel productivity and perfor- But knowing that there is a mance, CMED’s utmost priority baby growing inside her body is is to secure the health and safety the most rewarding experience of each employee. any woman will enjoy. CMED ensures that its preg- However, since the pandemic nant employees and those on struck, pregnancy has become a maternity leave are given al- more challenging experience for ternative work arrangements, expecting moms. The pandemic such as the Work-From-Home made it hard for pregnant women set-up. Through this work ar- to visit their doctors or have their rangement, expectant moms are ultrasound and laboratory work- able to spend quality time with ups done. Even procurement of their families and take care of necessities proved difficult. themselves. – Joanna F. Mateo and Nevertheless, CMED’s preg- Jennyline G. Cortez

SHARP to raise employee efficiency

Developing the motivational skills of CMED. The program for CMED officers, which leaders raises their technical capacity to was conducted last February 19, 2021, is ex- improve the performance and productivity pected to create a positive effect on all levels of employees. of the organizational ladder. Hence, the Sustainable Human Accuity Re- The SHARP module is also designed to en- source Program (SHARP), conceptualized by lighten the officers of its management sys- Senior Compliance Monitoring and Enforce- tems, provide an understanding of different ment Officer Alexius Dalao was plotted to ad- administrative cultures, and apply internal dress this competency. controls or standardization of processes that The SHARP module was aligned with are essential in the accomplishment of the the Competency Enhancement Activities of company’s goals. – Jennyline G. Cortez THE PAGCOR INSIDER 12 January-March 2021 BRANCH HIGHLIGHTS CCIS team keeps CF Tagaytay a safe gaming venue F Tagaytay boasts of being a Csafe gaming venue as it is being strictly manned by a team of brave men and women from the Casino Cus- tomer Information Sys- tem (CCIS) who serve as the branch’s first line of defense against COVID-19.

The CCIS personnel, who are positioned at the center of the casino lobby, are the ones who sit with guests for a brief face- CF Winford to-face interview before they are allowed entry to the gaming area. They explain to the receives recognition customers the importance of General Manager (GM) Jethro truthfully answering symptoms Z. Chancoco proudly displays monitoring questions for their three plaques of recognition own safety. given by management to CF Their responsibilities also in- Winford for achieving its over– clude printing of PTS Card for all target for the year 2020, for guests who are not yet members attaining its income goals for the of the Player Tracking System month of November 2020 and for or reprinting one for those who meeting its projected profit for lost their card. On some days, December 2020. they would encounter irate cus- According to GM Chancoco, tomers who refuse to present these achievements were made their government-issued IDs, or possible by the employees’ col- are complaining about the many lective effort and dedication in questions being asked from keeping the operations of all them. They also politely decline its sites afloat despite the eco- insistent senior citizens or mi- nomic recession. nors from entering the casino. – Nelson L. Roman While their job is not easy, they do it with pride, knowing that they help ensure the welfare and safety of the guests and CF Winford frontliners their fellow employees. undergo online training – Eliza Anza-Dela Cruz on customer service CF Winford employees At the start of the program, serving as frontliners were CF Winford General Man- equipped with much-needed ager Jethro Chancoco joined skills after the branch and the the participants virtually and Corporate Marketing Depart- shared an inspirational mes- ment jointly held an online sage. Customer Service Training The CSTP sessions were Program (CSTP) last quarter. successfully carried out by the The 10-part program, which branch training team headed attracted close to 400 employ- by Senior Branch Adminis- ees from different divisions trative Manager Generoso branch-wide, was aimed at Sarmiento and co-chaired by providing the attendees a bet- Slot Machine Officer Leonard ter understanding of customer Lim, Senior Customer Rela- service and teaching them the tions Officer Lerrie Santos proper way of carrying it out in and Pit Manager Shella de the new normal. The trainings Guzman. Marketing Assistant also introduced them to the vi- Kara Denice Benitez and Deal- tal role that customer service er Rodel Nepomuceno served plays in their respective jobs, as the program facilitators. regardless of their positions. – Shella Lyn. S. De Guzman SOG 4 welcomes 2021 with two site blessings SOG 4 welcomed 2021 with the simultaneous blessing of the Citys- tate and Madison satellites on January 27. Said rites were officiated by Rev. Fr. Paul Gungon IV of the Arch- diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guidance in Ermita, Manila and Rev. Fr. Aries Reyes of San Roque de Mandaluyong Parish. The attendees observed health protocols while the blessing of the new gaming venues were held. Some casino guests also cooperated by pausing their game and observing a moment of silence. SOG 4 gave away shirts and P300 worth of Shakey’s gift certificates to all employees as tokens of appreciation for their coopera- tion, hard work and the excellent teamwork. “All of these serve as our kick-off event for 2021 where we, as a team, face the challenges with renewed vigor, enthusiasm, and hope. Let us keep in mind our mantra: SOG4, sama-sama, tulong-tulong sa paghilom at pagbangon,” said SOG 4 Branch Manager Daniel Cecilio. – Juan Carlo B. Cervo THE PAGCOR INSIDER 13 January-March 2021 BRANCH HIGHLIGHTS

Satellite management stays in touch with employees via cyberspace dialogues he SOG 5 management launched last February 11, 2021 a cyberspace dialogue dubbed “Happy Hour” using the Zoom platform to facilitate Twider communication reach with its employees. Through the initiative of the Satellite Operations Management Panel (SOMP) headed by Branch Man- ager Jun Cabigon, “Happy Hour” enabled the management to regularly check on different SOG 5 sites and know the concerns of their personnel both at work and at home. – Ben-Hur S. Enriquez

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KULGLAS PHOTOGRAPHY Top SOG 5 personnel honored Outstanding workers of SOG 5 took centerstage during the weekly meeting of the Satellite Operations Management Panel (SOMP) on February 10, 2021 as they discussed the honors of naming of the satellite branch’s Model Supervisor and Model Em- ployee. A total of 11 personnel from different divisions competed for the said titles, with each deserving to be adjudged as top SOG employees. Employees display Following a brief deliberation among the members of the satellite management panel, hailed as Model Supervisor was Treasury Officer Armando Alvarez, while Dealer Julie Valmonte emerged entrepreneurial skills as Model Employee. – Ben-Hur S. Enriquez As the prolonged global health crisis continues to affect many businesses, many people have been developing an entrepreneurial mindset. MWR CORNER Some SOG 5 employees, in particular, have been thriv- ing amidst the pandemic by doing small-scale businesses on the side to augment their income. Among them are Dealer Alberto Tepora, who ventured into SOG 5 bikers open 2021 homemade rice cakes and ube cheesy pandesal, and Pit Of- ficer Marvin Salazar, who earns extra cash by selling rely- with tough trail ride enong bangus, buko pie, bottled buko juice and other native delicacies from Calamba, Laguna. The SOG 5 Bikers Club, led Other SOG 5 personnel who were bitten by the business by Dealer Rolando Ilingan, bug in this time of the pandemic were ASEO Brilla Cabi- found a unique way to kick gon with her extra moist banana cakes and other unique off 2021 by doing a challeng- pastries and Dealer Virgilio de Leon with his “Jerv’s Sha- ing trail ride in the mountain warma sa Terrace”. – Ben-Hur S. Enriquez ranges covering the towns of Carmona and Silang in Cavite and the cities of Bi- nan and Santa Rosa in La- guna last January. It was a bike trail like no other, with the bikers having to traverse thick vegeta- tion and tree-lined forests to complete the exciting, albeit extremely exhausting pedal-pushing activity. The biking enthusiasts got as a reward from finish- ing the cycling challenge the breathtaking view from the mountain summit while enjoying fresh coconut juice ers typically converge. at the rest area where bik- – Ben-Hur S. Enriquez THE PAGCOR INSIDER 14 January-March 2021 BRANCH HIGHLIGHTS Women’s Month

General Santos Satellite celebrates Women’s Month with bike run he celebration of Women’s Month was made special in General San- Ttos Satellite when it organized a “bike run” on March 26, 2021.

Twenty-seven bike enthusiasts joined the event which started at 5 o’clock in the morning. Both professional and rookie bikers trekked the 40-kilometer stretch of the casino-Gensan Airport loop. The event concluded with the distribution of gift cer- ‘Magbi-BINGO si Juana’ at CF Winford tificates from “Balay Hulay” Wellness Spa to provide the female workforce of the satellite a relaxing treat. The Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in the – Milagros C. Payac National Capital Region (NCR) did not prevent CF Winford from celebrating the International Women’s Month. The annual Women’s Month Bingo, dubbed this year as “Magbi-BINGO si Juana”, was successfully held last March 31, 2021 via Bingo Live Broadcast – the latest “virtual” platform of the Bingo Department. More than 160 female employees branch-wide participated in the event that was beamed live via Zoom. A total of P20,000 in cash prizes were given away in five games, where eight lucky players won. – Shella Lyn. S. De Guzman

Walkathon, health webinar mark CF Tagaytay’s Women’s Month celebration Amid the second wave of lock- Oval with limited participants in down and increased activity of compliance with the Inter-Agen- Taal Volcano, CF Tagaytay cele- cy Task Force’s health protocols. brated the Women’s Month via a The health webinar, mean- walkathon and webinar on PCOS while, was facilitated by ob- (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) stetrician and gynecologist Dr. and Melasma last March. Geralyn de Vera-Sumugat and Morale, Welfare and Recre- aesthetic dermatologist Dr. Alfie ation Coordinator Adrian Sobre- delos Reyes. pena supervised the early morn- Dr. Sumugat discussed the ing walkathon at the Tagaytay most common ovulatory disor- der in women of reproductive age, which is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). She said that PCOS remains to be a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning it can be tricky until other conditions with similar symptoms have been ruled out. The OB-GYNE expert discussed the symptoms, causes, complications, and treatments related to the ailment. Dr. Delos Reyes, meanwhile, lectured on the common skin disease Melasma, which causes dark, discolored patches on the skin – including its risk factors, diagnosis, and treatments. – Ronald C. Melendres and Adrian B. Sobrepena

Post-Valentine’s raffle draw delights CF Malate employees

The Christmas season may filled the air as names of 31 be months past, but love was lucky winners of P1,000 worth nonetheless felt by Malate’s em- of gift certificates from Rustan’s ployees when General Manager and SM were given away. While Enrico Livelo pulled-off a post- the prizes were not huge, these Valentine’s surprise for the em- were enough to make employees ployees through a raffle draw on feel appreciated. February 15, 2021. Excitement – Ma. Adela V. Dator THE PAGCOR INSIDER 15 January-March 2021 BRANCH HIGHLIGHTS

CF Bacolod honors female employees onoring its female employees Hduring the Wom- en’s Month is something that CF Bacolod and CF Iloilo look forward to.

For two years in a row, the Women’s Month celebration has been subdued in adher- ence to the strict health protocols being implemented by said branches. But despite being low-key, the celebration still teemed with fruitful activities like the Basic Haircut lesson facilitated by resource speaker Billonor Ido- log, Jr., a health talk, and Basic Manicure class. Likewise, while the celebration was focused on holding activities and treats that women enjoy, CF Bacolod also held lessons on Basic Electrical In- stallation, conducted by Senior Facilities Management Officer Marlon Birondo. appreciated, as it focused on Among all the activities held, the importance of saving and it was the Financial Wellness preparing for the future. seminar that many employees – Carmela D. Tabora

Singing contest in CF Malate promotes camaraderie

To promote camaraderie and to Security Staff II Renz Marie De boost the employees’ morale, Casi- Castro bagged the grand prize no Filipino (CF) Malate organized a of P 2,500.00 worth of grocery singing competition, dubbed “Kahit items. The eight other finalists Maputi na ang Buhok Ko.” from various divisions were Deal- Held for almost a month dur- ers Hanna Martinez, Roldan Ga- ing the branch’s Morale, Welfare waran, Elmer Ayuda, Genevieve and Recreation (MWR) hour, Pacheco, and Roldan Swing; nine competitive and talented Lady Guard Roxette Garon; Teller personnel made it to the final Anthony Baldovino; and Finance round, which was held on Febru- Assistant Michelle Garde. ary 25, 2021. – Ma. Adela V. Dator THE INSIDER BRANCH HIGHLIGHTS January-March 2021 CF Olongapo celebrates Heart’s Day with fun dress code To add fun and humor to their celebration of Val- entine’s Day, CF Olongapo organized the “Valen- tine’s Color Coding Activity” which highlighted the relationship status of employees – whether they are single and ready to mingle; proudly in a relationship; “umaasa” ; or in a long distance relationship with their special someone. Majority of the employees wore red, explaining that they are in love and loyal to their partners. Meanwhile, others opted to wear black to signify that they are bitter and sad at the moment. Those who wore orange expressed that they were “umaasa” or waiting for the right person, while SBYC 300K those who wore yellow shared that they were try- ing to move on . The event promoted goodwill and camaraderie among employees as they share relationship les- Super 6 sons and life priorities. Procurement Staff II Domingo Celle III received held the 1st prize. He wore a brown outfit to signify that he was “friendzoned” but still happy with his cur- Derby rent love life. Tied in the 2nd place were Provident Fund Assistant Alfred Planea and Nurse Anthony asino Filipino (CF) Olongapo suc- Joseph Beltran, while Acting Marketing Assistant Tish Poblete landed on the 3rd place. cessfully launched its first-ever – Cherryl Pelayo-Dacua CSubic Bay Yacht Club Satellite’s 300K Super 6 Tournament on February Chinese New Year 20, 2021. Acting Branch Manager Rafael Paterno, Jr., and Korean Lunar Year who opened the tournament, was hopeful that it would be the first of many tournaments in SBYC celebrated satellite. Amidst the pandemic, CF Olongapo celebrated The tournament’s grand winner took home the Chinese New Year and Korean Lunar Year on P200,000 cash prize. A dormant player also placed February 12, 2021 at the D’Lounge. 1st runner up while a slot machine player placed Though not a grand celebration, customers were 2nd runner-up. given treats like tikoy and siomai, while enjoying Upon registration, tournament participants pre- Chinese and Korean music. sented their membership card and paid an entry The celebration coincided with the mini slot fee of P20,000 in exchange for tournament chips, machine tournament, which was conducted for P5,000 non-cashable chips certificate and give- 11 days with SG WAP Tree of Wealth Machines. aways. The tournament ended with the awarding of cash The event increased the customer attendance by prizes and slot machine loyalty credits for players 5 percent, total bets by P12 million or 489 percent, with the highest turnover. while total income increased by P689,800 or 558 The event contributed an increase in total bets percent compared to the week prior to the tourna- by 127 percent or P3.5 million compared to the fig- ment. – Cherryl Pelayo-Dacua ures from last year. – Cherryl Pelayo-Dacua D’ Lounge entertainment area launched CF Olongapo’s mini entertainment area, called “D’Lounge” has been finally opened to its customers and employees on January 28, 2021. Alongside this event was the launch of “Enter- tainment Hours” for employees, a music jamming session from 8:00a.m. to 12:00 noon and 4:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. daily. Employees who are on duty break share their singing talents to relieve stress and improve their emotional and mental well-being. Required health and safety protocols are strictly observed before, during and after the activity. – Cherryl Pelayo-Dacua

CF Angeles improves We Care Committee support group services raises funds for employees for personnel’s The coronavirus disease 2019 nal customer services, facili- safety (COVID-19) has taken a huge ties being used in the branch, toll on people’s health and food in the cafeteria, among To alleviate the impact of the well-being. To lessen the fear other improvements for the pandemic among employees, CF and anxiety brought by the benefit of employees. Angeles’ We Care Committee pandemic to employees, Ca- “The wisdom behind the sur- raised funds to purchase materi- sino Filipino (CF) Angeles had vey is for our frontline person- als that will help safeguard the taken steps to improve the ser- nel particularly our Adminis- health and well-being of their vices of support groups in the trative Group to concentrate colleagues. branch. on their respective tasks with One activity which the com- General Manager Redentor no worries,” Rivera said. mittee undertook to raise funds Rivera initiated the move to de- The results of the survey was the selling of eggs sourced termine the needs of personnel were presented during the from a farm. and what will inspire them to Branch Management Panel Since the start of the pandemic, report to work. Through a sur- meeting, wherein recommen- the We Care Committee has been vey held on a weekly basis, the dations for improvements were responding to the needs of employ- branch tried to determine key discussed. This activity has ees and other communities through areas that need improvement. been going on since the start of their endeavors and outreach pro- The survey also covers inter- year 2021. – Marjorie Yandan grams. – Marjorie DC. Yandan