Land-Based Casinos Prepare for Resumption of Operations

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CEO UNDERSCORES SURVIVAL IN THE HOMEGROWN PAGCOR’S ROLE IN TIME OF COVID 19 BETS POST-COVID-19 PAGCORIANS VENTURE AVP Hernando Apigo PH ECONOMIC INTO BUSINESS GM Jethro Chancoco RECOVERY AMID PANDEMIC VP Tomas A. Consolacion, Jr PAGE 2 CENTERSPREAD TO PAGE 12 P20 The

APRIL TO JUNE 2020 INSIDEROfficial Newsletter of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation www.pagcor.ph Land-based casinos prepare for resumption of operations Strict health and safety protocols slated fter four months of temporary suspension due to the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (CO- AVID-19) pandemic, land-based casinos may be able to resume operations once community quarantine restrictions further ease up.

In line with this, PAGCOR submitted its recommenda- tion to the Inter-Agency Task Force for COVID-19 (IATF) last May, to allow the resump- If approved under tion of casino operations with the proposed safety and health the modified protocols. According to PAGCOR general community Chairman and CEO Andrea D. quarantine (MGCQ), Domingo, the safety protocols are well-crafted and are even PAGCOR hopes to more stringent compared to provide job security other businesses that are now in operation. for most of the “If approved under the modified general community gaming employees quarantine (MGCQ), PAGCOR in the country. hopes to provide job security for most of the gaming employ- CF branches nationwide prepare for the reopening of operations. In photo are CF Olongapo personnel ees in the country. It is also disinfecting the branch’s gaming equipment and furniture. during this phase that the local gaming industry transitions to cially frequent-contact surfac- ance to social distancing, pro- Gradually, said procedures the new normal.” – Andrea D. Domingo es and high-touch items. vision of alcohol on each gam- shall ease up depending on Domingo added that under PAGCOR Chairman “Once the suspension is lift- ing table and other high-traffic the improvement of the gen- the new normal, all gaming ed, all licensed casinos must areas, limiting the player ca- eral situation in the country. establishments which will re- areas multiple times a day. follow the procedures. These pacity to no more than 50% , no “PAGCOR shall likewise abide sume operations have to fol- Workplaces, gaming floors and include wearing of facemask standing bettors and no loiter- by the protocols and recom- low strict health protocols, back-of-house areas will be and face shield while inside the ing in the gaming areas at all ...... such as disinfection of gaming cleaned round the clock, espe- establishment, strict compli- times,” Domingo cited. LAND-BASED P8

Deputy Trea- surer Sha- PAGCOR ron Alman- za (2nd from increases left) formally receives the check cash dividends representing PAGCOR’s P5 remittances billion cash dividends remittance from AVP to P17 billion for Fund Man- fter agement and A remitting over P12 bil- Administrative lion in cash dividends earlier Department Ma- this year, PAGCOR turned over ria Cynthia Paz an additional P5 billion cash at the Bureau dividends to the National Trea- of Treasury of- sury on June 5, 2020, bringing fice in Intra- muros, Manila. the agency’s total dividend con- With them in tribution for 2019 to P17 billion. photo are Trea- The agency’s latest remit- sury Opera- tance was mainly in support of tions Officer IV the government's fight against Purita Belgica the Novel Coronavirus Dis- (extreme left) and PAGCOR ease-2019 (COVID-19) pan- Senior Manager demic...... May Pineda (extreme right). CASH DIVIDENDS P3 THE PAGCOR INSIDER 2 April-June 2020 NEWS

Domingo underscores PAGCOR’s role in securing PH’s economic future post-COVID-19 during ICE-SIGMA Asia Digital confab hilippine Amuse- contributions, we recently (POGOs) that significantly con- ing events such as the ICE- contributed P12 billion cash tributed to PAGCOR’s revenue SIGMA Asia Digital conference ment and Gam- dividends to the National generation efforts under the will help broaden the agency’s Ping Corporation Treasury. We also gave P2.5 current management. market and establish its pres- (PAGCOR) Chairman billion to the Office of the “From P56 million contribu- ence not just in the Philip- and CEO Andrea Do- President (OP) to help the De- tions before 2016, it is now a pines and Asia, but all over the partment of Health purchase multi-billion peso revenue-gen- world. mingo underscored the personal protective equip- erating operation regulated by “By participating in events significant role that the ment (PPEs) and medical PAGCOR,” she said. like this, PAGCOR will learn local gaming industry equipment they need to fight POGOs also contributed to from what other gaming regu- COVID. We likewise gave the government’s revenue gen- lators and operators have been will play in securing the P12 billion to the OP’s Socio- eration efforts, according to doing in trying to cope with Philippines’ economic Civic Projects Fund, a portion Domingo. “Whatever PAGCOR the situation that we all are in future post-COVID-19. of which is being used to pro- earns, 75% goes back to na- right now,” Domingo said. vide free medicines to gov- tional government. We retain She emphasized the im- In her keynote address dur- ernment hospitals and mili- 25% for our socio-civic proj- portance of harmonizing all ing the kick-off of ICE-SIGMA tary officials every month,” ects, our operating expenses, gaming-related laws that other Asia Digital conference on Domingo shared. our marketing expenses, and government agencies are im- June 8, 2020, Domingo said Recently, PAGCOR also re- for the socio-civic projects of posing on POGO operators. that the resumption of gaming mitted an additional P5 billion the President of the Philip- Organized by Clarion Gam- operations in the country will cash dividends to the National pines,” she cited. ing, the ICE-SIGMA Asia Digi- not only benefit PAGCOR and Treasury, bringing the agen- The PAGCOR chief mean- tal 2020 was a free online con- the government but will also cy’s cash dividends contribu- while assured that as the regu- ference which ran from June trigger economic activities. tion for 2019 to P17 billion. lator and operator of casinos 8-10, 2020. Event topics includ- Chairman and CEO Andrea Domingo de- “The local gaming industry livers the Keynote Message during the Meanwhile, on the second in the country, PAGCOR en- ed future of gaming, tech inno- employs about 132,000 direct ICE-SIGMA Asia Digital Conference on day of SIGMA Asia Digital sures that there is a level play- vation, e-Sports opportunity, hires. It also generates many June 8, 2020. conference on June 9, 2020 – ing field, where players are Asian Marketing trends and other economic activities and which focused on the potential protected and government rev- how the market will recover businesses like restaurants, and sustainability of the online enues are properly collected. post-COVID-19. hotels, malls in Integrated Re- gaming industry – Domingo She likewise noted that PAG- ...... sorts (IRs), services, transport emphasized the economic COR looks forward to rise from Text: Darren B. Agaton and real estate. There will be potential of the Philippine the challenges brought by the and Ciara E. Mabalot more economic employment Offshore Gaming operations COVID-19 pandemic. Support- CEO Photo: Jesus S. Casabar opportunities when other gam- We would have been ing stations and casinos open,” doing very well but For more she said. than two Domingo is hopeful that then COVID came, decades, ICE PAGCOR’s owned and oper- and somehow we events have ated casinos can resume op- taken place in erations in June or at the very have to take three London, North latest in July. America and steps back. But Africa. Past “We would have been do- exhibitions ing very well but then COVID we’re going to get (left) have came, and somehow we have allowed to take three steps back. But back and provide delegates to we’re going to get back and discover new funding for the gaming and provide funding for the govern- interactive ment which is badly needed government which solutions. now,” she cited. PAGCOR, according to Do- is badly needed mingo, has been contributing now. significantly to the national coffers because of effective regulations and operations. Apart from its mandated contributions, the agency turned over a hefty amount for the government’s – Andrea D. Domingo COVID-19 response efforts. PAGCOR Chairman “Aside from our mandated THE PAGCOR INSIDER 3 April-June 2020 NEWS

CASH DIVIDENDS

From Page 1 On March 23, 2020, PAG- PAGCOR authorizes partial COR turned over P12 billion to the state coffers. With the agency’s additional re- resumption of POGO operations mittance, it remains as the agcor third highest contributor has given the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) the green light to par- of cash dividends for 2019 tially resume operations in the country, subject to stringent conditions. The decision was among the government- Preached with the intention of helping the national government raise necessary funds to com- owned and controlled cor- bat the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. porations (GOCCs), next to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Citing the revenues from and Philippine Deposit In- POGOs as a significant surance Corporation. source of funds that would According to PAGCOR supplement efforts to curb Chairman and CEO Andrea the health crisis, PAGCOR Domingo, the release of ad- Chairman and CEO Andrea ditional cash dividends is Domingo said the manage- pursuant to Republic Act ment allowed the partial re- 11469, otherwise known opening of POGOs, without as Bayanihan to Heal as violating the health and safe- One Act, and the Republic ty guidelines provided by the Act 7656, which requires government. GOCCs to “share a sub- Prior to resumption of op- stantial amount of their net erations, POGOs and their earnings to the National service providers are or- Government” for revenue dered to strictly adhere to all generation purposes. of PAGCOR’s pre-requisites The additional dividends including the 1) updating remittance, which was and settlement of all their recently requested by Fi- tax liabilities, as certified by nance Secretary Carlos the Bureau of Internal Rev- Dominguez, was taken from enue; 2) updating of their PAGCOR’s 2019 net earn- payments for any regulatory ings and accumulated re- fee, license fee, performance tained earnings in 2018. bond or penalties due to have confirmed COVID-19 cas- mingo explained. P3.12 billion in 2017; P6.11 bil- “There's a need to infuse PAGCOR; 3) remittance of es, including those who are sus- With the resumption of lion in 2018; and P5.73 billion more funds to the govern- regulatory fees for the month pect or probable cases will not POGOs, functions of law en- in 2019. In the first quarter of ment's effort in battling the of April; and 4) must pass the be allowed to work. The vulner- forcement agencies (LEAs) 2020, POGOs already contrib- COVID-19 pandemic. With readiness to implement safe- able groups, including the sick, will continue, such that, sanc- uted P1.80 billion in regula- our latest cash dividends re- ty protocols. immunocompromised, seniors, tions and penalties will ap- tory fees alone. Further, from mittance, we hope to contrib- Aside from meeting these pregnant women, and those ply to POGO licensees and 2016 to March 2020, PAGCOR ute more significantly to that requirements, Domingo said with co-morbidities will not be service providers who will has already collected a total cause. We might have suffered that PAGCOR will impose deployed. be found in violation of PAG- of P20.83 billion from POGOs huge revenue losses but we safety protocols on POGOs Those who will report back COR's pre-requisites and se- in regulatory and other re- can't afford to lose the fight to help ensure that their to work – whether Filipinos curity protocols, and of the lated fees. against this global health cri- employees will be protected or foreign nationals – must Inter-Agency Task Force's These remittances form sis,” Domingo stated. from COVID-19 infections, be tested for COVID-19 and (IATF's) orders. Monitoring part of PAGCOR’s contribu- Deputy Treasurer Sharon and that spread of the virus must obtain a negative test will be carried by PAGCOR's tions to the National Trea- Almanza formally received in their communities will be result from a duly-registered Compliance Monitoring and sury and other mandated PAGCOR’s additional divi- avoided. testing facility. Further, an Enforcement Department, in beneficiaries. One of which dends contributions at the Among the safety mea- Isolation Room must be es- coordination with the LGUs, is the Universal Healthcare Bureau of the Treasury of- sures include the permis- tablished for employees who LEAs and other government Law whose funding will be fice in Intramuros, Manila. sion of only 30 percent work- may start to exhibit symp- agencies. The IATF will like- partly sourced from the rev- “This substantial amount is force per shift in authorized toms of the virus. wise conduct inspections to enues of PAGCOR. indeed a welcome augmen- operating sites; provision “Even with the partial re- gauge compliance to proto- With its decision to resume tation of the government's of shuttle services for em- sumption of POGO opera- cols. POGO operations, the agency funds,” Almanza said. ployees from their places of tions, we will put premium on As regulator, PAGCOR re- also seeks to preserve the Apart from the cash divi- residence to their offices; the safety of their employees, quires all POGO licensees employment of 31,556 Filipi- dends, PAGCOR initially temperature checks upon and the gaming industry as to remit two percent of their nos who were directly hired released a total of P14.5 entry at the office premises; a whole. While we recognize gross gaming revenues as by said industry. Likewise, billion to the Socio-Civic practicing social distancing, their huge contributions to regulatory fees. Because of partial opening of POGOs will Projects Fund of the Office proper sanitation and disin- nation-building, and their proper regulations in place, create ripples in economic ac- of the President (OP) from fection, and wearing of face- great viability as a fund- income from POGO operations tivity, such as the real estate March to April 2020. mask and face shield at all ing source in these difficult showed steady growth through industry which has earned On March 24, PAGCOR times, among other impor- times, we still have to prac- the years. approximately P25 billion on turned over P6 billion to tant guidelines to curb the tice extra precaution in strik- From P73.72 million in leaseholds and rentals alone, OP, in addition to the P2 bil- infection. ing a balance between health 2016, revenues from POGO as POGOs occupy 1,000,000 lion and P500 million remit- Meanwhile, employees who and economic benefits,” Do- significantly increased to square-meter of office space. tances that were released on March 11 and March 1, respectively.

Official Newsletter Corporate of the Philippine James Patrick R. Bondoc CMED: Fatima Evaliza B. Talag, Compliance Monitoring Agent II Amusement and and Carmelita V. Valdez, Executive Editors Joanna F. Mateo, Assistant Compliance Monitoring Ma. Jessica T. Arambulo Gaming Corporation and Enforcement Officer and Kristina Mae R. Ombao, Editors Marie Bernadette B. Odoño, Bingo Monitoring Staff II Mario R. Galapate, Creative Director Maria Eliza A. Perena, Compliance Monitoring & Enforcement Officer II ...... Jennyline G. Cortez, Senior Enforcement & Training Officer Writers Artists FMED: Teodoro Victor S. Ela III, Facilities Management Officer II Ciara M. Tanchoco Edwin C. Censon IGOD: Rodegelio F. Tayag, Pit Officer II Jesse C. Ong Michael Angelo C. Tolentino SMD: Lennard James O. Baetiong, Slot Machine Officer II Darren B. Agaton Erlito R. Casamina Branches Kristoffer Jake B. Pasano ...... Carol Joanne Pauline C. Premacio Photographers Angeles: Marjorie DC. Yandan, Human Resource Officer II Jasper D. Valencia Jesus S. Casabar Bacolod: Marichel B. Dela Torre, Assistant Gaming Officer Ronaldo A. Gatpandan Cebu: Cherryl Pelayo-Dacua, Senior Marketing Officer April-June 2020 Jayson M. Petate Davao: Rommel A. Bielgo, Security Staff II ...... Idy C. Rodriguez, Administrative Staff II ...... Conchita P. Bolivar, Human Resource Officer II Suggestions, comments and contributions are welcome. Address all communications Olongapo: Maria Dinah L. Lim, Human Resource Officer II to the Information and Publication Unit, Corporate Communications Department Winford: Shella Lyn S. De Guzman, Pit Manager 5th Floor, Carmen Building, U.N. Ave., cor. Maria Orosa St., Manila | Tel. Nos.: (02) 7-755-3699/(02) 7-755-3799 Nelson L. Roman, Senior Administrative Officer e-mail addresses: [email protected] or [email protected] SOG 4: Juan Carlo B. Cervo, Customer Relations Assistant SOG 5: Ben-Hur S. Enriquez, Dealer IV www.pagcor.ph THE PAGCOR INSIDER 4 April-June 2020 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 4 despite revenue losses PAGCOR remits over P418.55 million to PSC espite suffering a huge blow in its reve- of April due to the suspension nue performance due to the temporary sus- of all gaming operations, the pension of casinos and other gaming oper- state-gaming agency still did D its best to remit to the PSC. ations in the country, PAGCOR managed “The amount that PAGCOR to remit a total of P418.55 million to the remits to its mandated ben- Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). eficiaries is dependent on our revenues. We practically The amount comprised PAG- agency remitted had zero revenues during the COR’s mandated contributions P158.83 million three-month lockdown. Hence, to the government sports agen- to PSC while the huge drop of our PSC re- cy from January to April 2020. P150.75 million mittances from P99.42 million The state-run gaming firm’s was remitted in in March to only P9.54 million latest remittance in April February. in April. But despite all these, amounted to only P9.54 mil- PAGCOR Chair- PAGCOR will continue to do lion, down from P99.42 million man and CEO Andrea its best to uphold the welfare in March. Domingo said that despite hav- of our Filipino athletes,” she In January, the state-gaming ing no revenues for the month said. – Jesse C. Ong

FMED mobilizes personnel to CF Davao ease distribution of relief goods employees give aid As PAGCOR reaches out to various communities and to a fire healthcare facilities at the height of the enhanced community quarantine, the Facilities victim Management and Engineering Casino Filipino Department (FMED) joined (CF) Davao em- hands with the Corporate So- ployees pooled cial Responsibility Group to their resources to provide mobility support for help Charlie Ca- the transfer of heavy goods. bilao, a branch FMED mobilized its Job Or- janitor who lost der Personnel to provide logis- his home to fire tical support in delivering the amidst the CO- sacks of goods for donation VID-19 pandemic. to various Local Government Cabilao received Units (LGUs) in Luzon whose basic essentials such constituents were greatly af- as rice, used clothing, fected by the enhanced com- blankets, and cash. munity quarantine. Cabilao expressed grat- FMED also devised a manual itude to CF Davao employ- conveyor and a trolley with ees saying that their dona- rails to facilitate the movement tion will be put to good use of heavy items such as the tons for his family to start over of rice and other goods. again. – Teodoro Victor S. Ela III “Hanggat may mga taong tumutulong, may pag-asang makabangon,” he said. – Conchita P. Bolivar

Charlie Cabilao with the goods donated by branch employees.

FMED’s ingenuity in crafting these simple machines made the delivery of heavy goods easier for volunteer PAGCOR frontliners. THE PAGCOR INSIDER 5 April-June 2020 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

PAGCOR, partners help fund govt’s fight vs COVID-19 s the country battles against the Corona- become valuable during the virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandem- current pandemic. Aic, PAGCOR and its partners from the local Meanwhile, the Philippine gaming industry pumped in financial resources to Offshore Gaming Operators national coffers, to medical facilities and to those (POGOs) in the country raised a total of P150 million for the affected by the Luzon-wide enhanced community purchase of medical supplies quarantine. and food packs which were distributed to various hospitals and From March to June, PAG- food packs, personal protec- cities in Metro Manila. Of this COR infused a total of P31.5 bil- tive equipment (PPE) and amount, P90 million was used to lion to the cause after it remitted medical equipment for several purchase essential medical sup- a total of P17 billion cash divi- public hospitals. plies needed by hospitals to pro- dends to the National Treasury Resorts World Manila, So- tect healthcare frontliners who and P14.5 billion to the Socio- laire Resort & Casino, City of are combating the COVID-19, Civic Projects Fund of the Office Dreams Manila and Okada Ma- while P50 million was used to of the President (OP). nila all teamed-up with PAG- purchase food items. The cash dividends were giv- COR through their charitable The remaining P10 mil- en in two tranches (P5 billion institutions to provide quick lion was also used to provide on June 5, 2020 and P12 billion aid for the country’s frontlin- 25,000 food packs to the cities on March 23, 2020) while the ers, healthcare workers, and Community of Pasay, Parañaque, Quezon P14.5 billion remittances to the local communities. Partners Relations and City’s Districts 1, 2 and 4, Pa- OP’s Socio-Civic Projects Fund of casino licensees as well as Services Group Vice President teros, Mandaluyong, Marikina were released from March to gaming suppliers gave signifi- Jimmy Bondoc and Malabon. April 2020. cant contributions as well. leads the PAGCOR’s property at the In addition, PAGCOR pur- PAGCOR has authorized the repacking and old Nayong Pilipino Complex chased P65 million worth licensed casinos to use a por- distribution of in Paranaque City was desig- of food items including rice tion of their foundation funds medical supplies nated as the warehouse and bought from the National Food to help fund the government’s and food for frontliners and distribution site of the relief Authority, canned goods and COVID-19 efforts. In support communities items to prevent the agency’s other basic necessities, which of the national government's affected by the volunteers from travelling to were distributed to frontliners advocacy in addressing the lockdown. communities declared as CO- and communities in dire need citizens’ medical needs, 70 VID-19 hotspots. of help. The state-run gaming percent of these The repacking of relief goods firm’s casino licensees in En- foundations’ was expedited as PAGCOR vol- tertainment City, Clark, Rizal funds are now unteer employees and some and Poro Point, meanwhile, did allocated for POGO personnel helped in the their share by donating a total healthcare pro- preparation of the items to be of P634 million and purchased grams. This has distributed. – Jasper D. Valencia THE PAGCOR INSIDER 6 April-June 2020 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

PH gaming foundations donate over P634 million COVID aid to hospitals, communities, casino employees

he country’s licensed casinos have been among the government’s active partners in beating the Coronavi- rus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Through their foundations, these integrated resorts and casinos Tjoined hands with PAGCOR and contributed over P634 million aid to various hospitals, local government units, government offices and communities.

Resorts World Philippines Cultural Heritage Foundation Inc.

esorts World Philippines Cultural Her- itage Foundation Inc. (RWPCHFI) com- Rpleted its initial P50 million COVID aid commitment on May 24, 2020 when it distributed medical supplies to representatives of 12 hospitals in Metro Manila. RWPCHFI turned over 6,000 personal protective equipment (PPE) suits; 60,000 N95 masks; 60,000 disposable medical masks; 6,000 medical grade goggles; 6,000 medical gloves; and 6,000 medical shoe covers at the RWM complex in Pasay City. Beneficiary-hospitals include the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Philippine General Hospital, Lung Center of the Philip- pines, Las Piñas General Hospital, San Lo- renzo Ruiz General Hospital, Valenzuela Medical Center, Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center, Research Institute for Tropi- cal Medicine, Rizal Medical Center, East Ave- nue Medical Center, San Lazaro Hospital, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Resorts World Philippines Cultural Heritage Foundation Center. The Foundation also turned over 200 infra- ente as well as to our healthcare workers,” red thermometers to the National Capital Re- said RMC Administrative Officer V Analou gion (NCR) Police Office. Ador who was grateful to have received the “Kami po ay lubos na nagpapasalamat second batch of PPEs from RWM. sa Resorts World Manila and sa PAGCOR sa “Pangalawang beses na po na nakatang- mga donasyon na ibinahagi po nila lalung- gap kami. We believe that this donation will lalo na sa Rizal Medical Center (RMC). Nani- last until the end of the year,” she said. niwala po kami na ang donasyong ito ay RWM Chief Operating Officer Stephen James makatutulong sa lahat ng aming mga pasy- Reilly, who spearheaded the turnover activity said, “it has always been an honor on our part to work with PAGCOR on these relief efforts which we have been doing over the past weeks and months.” Reilly added that they have been looking for partners to extend relief response not just in Metro Manila but also in other parts of the country. One of their partners was Suncity group’s grocery packs to underprivileged barangays in Philippine subsidiary – SunTrust Home Devel- Pasay and other neighboring communities. opers Inc. (SunTrust), which helped pave the way for the distribution of P50 million worth of PPEs to 40 public hospitals in Luzon. Solaire Resort’s Westside City Resorts World, Inc., a co- Bloomberry Cultural licensee of Travellers International Hotel Group (developer of Resorts World Manila) Foundation, Inc. Inc. reached out to property developer Suncity Group to ask for donations, to which the latter olaire Resort’s Bloomberry Cultural immediately responded. Foundation, Inc. (BCFI) donated a Poly- In April, RWPCHFI initially donated Smerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Machine 16,000 PPEs, medical gloves, goggles, – a device used for COVID-19 testing – to the shoe covers, as well as 40,000 N95 face Lung Center of the Philippines. It has also pro- masks to several hospitals which were cured PPEs, ventilators, rapid test kits, more among the first to treat COVID-19 pa- PCR machines, medical equipment, and essen- tients. It also gave 40,000 face masks tial supplies for donation to hospitals. and 400 infrared thermometers to the On April 8, BCFI remitted P100 million re- local government units of Pasay and lief fund to the Office of the President (OP) to Parañaque and the NCR Police Office. serve the needs of indigent Filipino families. Apart from medical items, RWPCH- Over and above these, BCFI retrofitted FI also allotted 30,000 the Ninoy Aquino Stadium and Rizal Memo- THE PAGCOR INSIDER 7 April-June 2020 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

rial Stadium, which serves as quarantine and COVID-19 testing capacity. Rest assured that treatment facilities for COVID patients. PAGCOR and our licensees are doing our best to help the government, healthcare frontliners, Melco Resorts and LGUs as fast as we can,” Sañosa said. (Philippines) Foundation Gaming foundations Corporation in Clark

elco Resorts (Philippines) Foundation oundations of gaming licensees in Corporation, the charitable arm of City Clark Freeport and Economic Zone also Mof Dreams Manila procured 125,000 Fprovided prompt assistance to their em- food packs worth P50 million through the OP. ployees, nearby communities and hospitals. The donation consists of 625,000 kilos of rice; Widus Foundation, Inc. of Widus Philip- Diosdado P. Macapagal Memorial Hospital. It 500,000 pieces of bottled water; 500,000 cup pines, Inc. (WFI) immediately released P15.51 also donated P500,000 worth of PPEs to Jose noodles; 500,000 cans of sardines and 250,000 million worth of financial assistance to its em- B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital, Air cans of tuna. ployees. It also provided P2.20 million disaster Force Hospital and Ospital Ning Angeles. Heeding the request for further assistance, relief assistance to the various frontliners in Three other gaming licensees also priori- the Foundation donated an additional P100 Pampanga through distribution of food packs tized the financial assistance for their employ- million worth of food packs for distribution to to 1,000 vulnerable and minimum wage earn- ees. Royce Foundation, Inc. of Eight Integrat- vulnerable and indigent families through the ers in Clark, Pampanga. ed Development Corporation provided P10.92 OP and the local government of Parañaque. Personal protective equipment were also turned million worth of financial aid to its personnel; over by the Foundation to 16 government hospitals Dongwon Heritage Foundation, Inc. of Dong- in Pampanga and Tarlac including the Diosdado gwang Clark Corporation, 8.93 million; and Okada Foundation, Inc. Macapagal Medical Hospital in Guagua; Escolas- Stotsenberg Foundation, Inc. of Stotsenberg tico Romero District Hospital in Lubao; R. P. Me- Leisure Park and Hotel Corporation and Fron- he Okada Foundation, Inc. meanwhile, tier Capital Group Limited, P1.76 million. has directly donated P25 million each morial Hospital Annex in Bacolor; R. P. Memorial to the Philippine Heart Center and the Hospital in San Fernando City; San Luis District T Hospital in San Luis; Domingo B. Flores District Lung Center of the Philippines. The hospitals Fiesta Foundations will use the donation to procure necessary ma- Hospital in Macabebe; Romana Pangan District chines, equipment, and medical supplies. Hospital in Floridablanca; Jose Songco-Lapid Dis- he Foundations of Fiesta casinos pro- In addition, Okada Foundation, Inc. donated trict Hospital in Porac; Ospital Ning Angeles (Ra- vided financial aid to medical institu- P100 million worth of relief goods to Regions fael Lazatin Memorial Hospital) in Angeles City; Ttions and local government units. The I and II; provided P30 million worth of relief Candaba Infirmary Hospital in Candaba; Dr. Emig- Eastbay Foundation, Inc. of Eastbay Resorts, assistance to Philippine Red Cross; and P100 dio Cruz Memorial Hospital in Arayat; Dr. Andres Inc. granted P1 million financial assistance to million worth of relief aid to cities and mu- Luciano District Hospital in Magalang; Mabalacat NKTI and P150,000 to the Municipality of Bi- nicipalities in Regions IV-B and V, Cordillera District Hospital in Mabalacat; Bamban Municipal nangonan, Rizal. Administrative Region, Bangsamoro Autono- Health Office and Ospital Ning Capas in Capas; and Thunderbird Foundation, Inc. of Thunder- mous Region in Muslim Mindanao, provincial Clark Development Clinic/Hospital. bird Pilipinas Hotels and Resorts, Inc. also and local government units of Benguet, Para- It also offered shuttle services to the front- gave P2.5 million monetary aid to NKTI. It ñaque City, and selected municipalities in- liners of The Medical City Clark. WFI also do- likewise turned over P500,000 financial aid cluding the Dumagat Indigenous People. nated P4 million worth of food packs to six cit- and 188 sacks of rice worth P348,000 to the lo- According to Atty. Juanito Sañosa, Jr., ies and municipalities including Angeles City, cal government unit of San Fernando City in PAGCOR’s Vice President for Compliance Mabalacat, Porac and Bacolod in Pampanga; La Union. and Governance Group, the state-run gaming and Capas and Bamban in Tarlac. Licensed casinos are required to establish agency has authorized the Entertainment City Meanwhile, the Bridges of Benevolent Initia- foundations for the protection, conservation licensed casinos to use a portion of their Foun- tive Foundation, Inc. of BB International Lei- and restoration of Philippine cultural heritage, dation funds to help fund the government’s sure and Resort Development Corporation en- improvement of public schools in the country COVID-19 efforts. In light of the COVID pan- sured that charity begins at home by providing and provision of quality healthcare services. demic, 70 percent of these foundations’ funds P3.07 million monetary aid to its workforce. It PAGCOR approves the projects which will be are now allocated for healthcare programs. also reached out to the community by donating undertaken by the foundations to ensure ad- “With the extension of the enhanced com- P2.7 million hospital equipment – one mechan- herence to set guidelines. – Ciara M. Tanchoco munity quarantine, we can buy more time ical ventilator each to Jose B. Lingad Memorial with reports from GLDD to flatten the curve and boost our country’s Regional Hospital, Ospital Ning Angeles and THE PAGCOR INSIDER 8 April-June 2020 SPOTLIGHT From drivers to frontliners: Transport Services Department keeps rolling amid COVID-19 ith strict community quarantine restrictions halting Wpublic transportation in threat Metro Manila and nearby provinces (CRSD) at the Nayong Pilipino Complex in Pa- amid the threat of COVID-19, most ranaque City dealt with this challenge at the height of the enhanced community quarantine employees had to look for ways on in the National Capital Region (NCR) and oth- how to reach their workplaces de- er communities affected by the pandemic. spite limited options. “Hindi madali ang sitwasyong hinarap namin noong ECQ, pero na-motivate at na- Fortunately for PAGCOR employees, there inspire akong magtrabaho dahil alam kong is the Transport Services Department (TSD) nakakatulong ako sa mga nangangailan- to shuttle them conveniently to and from the gan. Para sa bayan kumbaga,” Senior Corporate offices. Transport Assistant Joselito Dimla, who was To facilitate efficient operations, TSD formed among the TSD personnel who continued ren- the “Oplan Extend Shuttle Routes” commit- dering duty during the ECQ despite the threat tee headed by Vice President Ricardo Faraon of COVID-19, proudly shared. of the Enterprise Services Group (ESG). Its As TSD became busier with the resumption members include Human Resource and Devel- of office operations, it adopted social distanc- opment Department (HRDD) Senior Manager ing measures based on the strict guidelines Anna Marie Caluag and TSD Administrator being implemented by the Inter-Agency Task Reginald Lacson with staff support. The com- Force (IATF) to ensure the health and safety mittee was tasked to prepare the shuttle ser- of the shuttle passengers. Among these pro- vices for the resumption of office work on June tocols include the reduction of seating accom- 1, 2020. modation in shuttle buses to half, implemen- “We had to hold almost daily meetings tation of the “no face mask, no entry” policy, through our Viber group chat to carefully plan and disinfection of buses before and after use. how to go about our operations,” said TSD Se- Mingling or changing seats while on board the nior Administrative Officer Joel Sianghio. buses was also prohibited. The committee studied various options Safety precautions for the drivers were such as the use of private cars, carpooling, likewise observed. Most TSD drivers under- deployment of department-issued vehicles, went swab tests while personnel reporting for and acceptance of vehicle requests. It also duty were required to accomplish the Daily considered the extension of routes, which did Symptom Monitoring Report (DSMR) to make not push through since public transportation sure that they are fit to work. They were also already resumed when shuttle services com- thermal-scanned to check their body tempera- Passengers are seated apart from each other as part of the social distancing mea- menced operations. tures. – Carol Joanne Pauline C. Premacio sure being implemented inside the bus. Transporting workers in the time of the pandemic is no easy job for TSD. The task becomes more formidable as its personnel assigned to Transporting workers in the time of the pandemic is no easy ferry the employees are faced with the danger job for TSD. The task becomes more formidable as its personnel of contracting the COVID-19 virus and spreading it to their families. assigned to ferry the employees are faced with the danger The TSD staff, especially those who assisted of contracting the COVID-19 virus and spreading it to their in the relief operations conducted by the Com- munity Relations and Services Department families.

An employee displays a signage instructing passengers to Employees observe physical distancing while lining up board the bus in an orderly manner. to board the shuttle buses.

LAND-BASED tomatic employees with relevant history of ture check, the Management shall refer him/ travel/exposure shall not be allowed to resume her to the proper health authority and facil- From Page 1 work and must consult with their primary care ity,” Domingo cited. mendations of the Department of Health such provider. Random inspection/audit of establishments as establishing non-pharmaceutical interven- “If possible, gaming and entertainment in- shall also be conducted to ensure that they tions prior to reopening and updating of indus- dustries should have a log record of guests are compliant with the minimum public health try protocols based on most recent evidence or and employees that use their facilities to as- standards and other health and safety proto- cases,” the PAGCOR chief added. sist with contact tracing efforts, should new cols. Non-compliant establishments/facilities Meanwhile on COVID-19 testing, DOH rec- cases arise. If an individual registers a tem- shall be closed until protocols are complied ommends the 14-day test for employees. Symp- perature above 37.5 celsius during tempera- with. THE PAGCOR INSIDER 9 April-June 2020 CORPORATE EVENTS

a job well done. We, Your children in PAGCOR, have likewise la- Prayer for bored faithfully to contribute to the well-being of the Filipino people. We implore You to look upon us with loving Healing kindness and mercy. Almighty and merciful Father, we praise and glo- Protect us and our families from this dreaded dis- rify You for Your unending love. We bow down be- ease. And for our colleagues who have been infected fore You in all humility and gratitude because in by the virus, may You grant them healing – just as spite of Your magnificence, You never fail to care You have healed the woman who touched the hem of for us – just as a parent cares for his child. Your garment – because of her immense faith. Thank you for watching over our comings and We have no one to hold on to but You. Help us goings... so that our little mustard seed of faith may bring For painting our days with hope-filled morn- healing -- not only to ourselves but to our PAGCOR ings and magnificent sunsets... community and the whole country. For providing us food on our tables, clothes on For those who have gone ahead of us because of our back, roof on our head and the love of family the virus, we pray that their souls be allowed to and friends to keep us going... We live in troubled times, dear Father. For a few behold your countenance and finally enjoy the months now, we have been battling with a formi- eternal peace that we long for here on Earth. Com- Thank you for comforting us when we are sick, dable enemy which has caused us so much pain, fort the people that they left behind. While their downtrodden and alone. anxiety and fear for the future. Some of us even passing created a hollow in our hearts, may we be We praise You immensely because even now – as lost a good friend, a colleague, a family member consoled with the hope that we will all be reunited the world is plagued by the COVID-19 pandemic, or a special person. with each other and united with You in your King- dom. You continue to protect us. We are still here, and We are in deep agony. And so we humbly ask we still have our jobs to sustain our daily needs. You – not to shield us from pain but to help us Finally, we pray that You guide the hands of the For so many times, You reminded us that even rise above our sufferings. In times when we are experts who are finding a cure for the virus. Grant when we are at our worst, You always see the good engulfed with fear, may You remind us that “even them knowledge, wisdom and genuine concern for in us – welcoming us back into Your loving em- the very hairs of our head are numbered...and that others as their fulfill their mission. brace whenever we fall. we are worth more than many sparrows” so we will have the courage to face each new day. May they soon discover a cure that will put an But humans as we are, we always fall short of end to this pandemic. Also, may everything that Your glory. We often fail in our role as stewards of We also ask You to bless those who have been we learned from this crisis help us build a better Your creation. At times, we even lack empathy for putting their lives on the line to be of service of world that is filled with faith, hope, and love. others—those who attend to the poor, the needy, people in need, the weak, the lowly, and the help- AMEN. less. Hence, we ask for Your grace and forgiveness the sick and the dying. so that we may have the strength to be more loving We cannot repay their acts of kindness. But in and caring. Your perfect time, they will reap their rewards for – Rodegelio Tayag

A letter from the Chairman to fellow PAGCORians

My dear fellow you do not report for work, provided jobs to more than instead, let us do our share PAGCORians: but simply stay at home. Your 11,000 people and financial se- to stop its spread. Choose Board and management con- curity to their families, and in- to communicate helpful and hope and pray that tinues to work tirelessly to en- come opportunities to various truthful information that will sure that all PAGCORians will service providers. These are benefit our fellow employees this letter finds ev- continue to receive the same the compelling reasons why it rather than cause panic or I eryone safe and well despite the current situation. is necessary for us to continue worry. Do inform your supe- as we continue to han- Let us consider ourselves our operations, because our riors immediately if you are dle the difficulties fac- very blessed that we have country needs us and depends feeling any symptom. We wish not been made to resort to on us especially during these to seek your cooperation and ing us today. As we forced leaves, no work/no pay very trying times. appeal for your strict compli- are all aware, the CO- arrangements or retrench- We have always acknowl- ance to government measures VID-19 pandemic has ment. We are hopeful that we edged our employees’ dedicated to protect yourself, your will soon bounce back to full service and contributions to families and your communities brought about a mas- operations so that we will be PAGCOR. You are the force from contracting the infec- sive global crisis se- able to sustain the salaries behind everything that we have tion. By following the safety verely affecting all sec- and benefits to all. accomplished. While there protocols, we can contribute tors of economic activi- It is very unfortunate that, are a few attention-seeking to our country’s fight against while our administrative individuals who may have COVID-19, a battle we look ty in various regions of exercise was commencing in unwittingly caused misleading forward to winning with every- the world. our Metro Manila casinos, as a and unfavourable attention one’s utmost cooperation. realistic dry run of our opera- to our operations and income It is quite difficult to see the What we have been reading tions in anticipation of their generation, we hope that all bright side of the pandemic and hearing from the news is Let us consider possible re-opening, our activi- of us will remain united in as it has already taken and truly heartbreaking. Thou- ties were interrupted because our desire to help not only changed so many lives. We are sands of businesses in the ourselves very of the self-serving interests of ourselves but our country to very fortunate that we are in a Philippines have been either blessed that we a few employees who resorted get through this pandemic. I much better position, that we forced to go on temporary to airing their malicious acknowledge and would like to are afforded the simple joys of closure or, at worst, forced have not been made complaints before parties who applaud the volunteers – those being with our loved ones, and to shut down its operations. are not the proper authorities of you who have been making the security of having our jobs. It has been reported that to resort to forced to address their concerns, sacrifices and taking the risk These are the things that we more than 7 million Filipinos leaves, no work/no instead of bringing it to the by reporting for duty to be able should hold on to and keep us are now unemployed. Even attention of their management to ensure that our services moving forward. the Philippine gaming indus- pay arrangements so these can be resolved. remain unhampered. I com- We thank everyone for try – once thriving, earning or retrenchment. While our business is not mend the employees exerting your unwavering support and contributing billions to categorized as an “essen- extra effort to continue working and understanding in these the government has not been We are hopeful tial industry”, PAGCOR is with efficiency and dedication, challenging times. We look spared, with many of the undoubtedly a pillar in our even with so many constraints. forward to better times ahead privately licensed casinos that we will soon government’s nation building Please know that your manage- but in order to get to it, we resorting to retrenchment to bounce back to full efforts through our mandated ment is grateful for this. need to be strong, to stay safe cut costs. contributions and donations. Be reassured that your and keep healthy. There is no Amidst these trying times, operations so that Our agency has consistently welfare remains our main other way to get through this your PAGCOR Management we will be able to extended assistance during concern. We have been com- but together. has consistently maintained times of crisis, and we have municating with the Office of Tayo ay magtulungan at its commitment in our desire sustain the salaries significantly remitted to the the President on PAGCOR’s magkaisa, at magdasal na to protect you and your fam- government’s treasury to aid willingness to help in shoul- maipagpapatuloy natin ang ily’s welfare by prioritizing and benefits to all. in the COVID-19 response. dering the cost of purchasing pagserbisyo sa ating bayan our employees’ salaries and What we earn from the work the COVID-19 vaccine should at kapwa Pilipino. other benefits, in the face we do here has tremendously it be available already. And Maraming salamat sa of a challenging operational helped millions of fellow along with this, let us pray inyong patuloy na koopera- environment. Notwithstanding Filipinos. Our corporation that our employees will be syon at malasakit sa ating the drastic dive in our income – Andrea D. Domingo generates income for the gov- included among the priority ahensiya. due to our casinos remaining PAGCOR Chairman ernment through its licensed recipients of the vaccine when closed since March 2020, we gaming operations and con- that time comes. But in the have ensured that all PAG- tinues to contribute to various meantime, we need to ask you CORians continue to receive projects of the government, to do your part. Let us not ANDREA D. DOMINGO to this day their salaries and even exceeding its mandate. be swayed to feeling fearful Chairman and Chief medical benefits, even on days Closer to home, PAGCOR has and anxious about the virus, Executive Officer ...... PAGCOR PLAYS SANTA P 7 PAGCOR PLAYS SANTA

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THE PAGCOR INSIDER CENTERSPREAD April-June 2020 FEATURE

Businessman by nature John Ernel Jusi, Dealer, CF Davao Business is not a new game for CF Davao Dealer John Ernel Jusi. He was born for it. “Meron na kasi akong existing na general merchan- dise business permit and it so happened that my family friend is a manufacturer of cosmetics and rubbing alco- Survival hol. Inumpisahan ko po magbenta ng sanitizer and sa awa ng Diyos malakas ang benta dahil sa pandemic situation,” Jusi told. For him, doing nothing during the pandemic is a fail- in times of ure. “Iniisip ko kasi ‘pag wala kang gagawin, walang mangyayari kaya naisip ko pwede naman na opportunity on worse scenario. Nakatulong din sa aking COVID-19 pamilya dahil nabawasan ang kita bilang dealer. Ku- mikita na ako sa maliit na negosyo sa labas sa gitna PAGCORians venture into business ng pandemic at alam ko na nakatulong din ako kahit papaano, lalo na sa pag-supply ng needs ng mga kak- ilala.” Jusi said it is best to never lose hope. “Look amid pandemic into the positive side of this negative situation. Para sa akin ito pinasok ko sa sistema ko, sa sarili ko: o one has ever prepared for the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that claimed mil- 1. Let go of the things that I cannot control. lions of lives worldwide and created economic uncertainties. Many people across the globe are now 2. Always think positive. Nstruggling more than ever to survive. 3. If I have nothing nice to say, better But PAGCORians – resilient as they are – have been braving the pandemic by venturing into small busi- shut up. nesses that did not only give them extra source of income but also a dash of hope and a sprinkle of joy. Armed with passion and determination to earn a little extra for the family, they embraced the opportunity to follow their passion and make a small venture out of it, while providing necessary services to their communities.

From passion to sound business Gay Charlotte Echavez-Laguda, Bingo Assistant, CF Davao Amidst the pandemic, Bingo Assistant Gay Charlotte Laguda turned her love for baking into a sound business. “I have been really passionate about baking for more than two decades now. It’s an activity that I turn to every now and then. Given the spare time I had at the start of quarantine, and the fact that my daughter was also gaining interest in baking, I started recreating and tweaking recipes that I learned in the past to make even better pastry recipes,” shared Laguda. “With so much pastries hanging around the kitchen after baking, I thought of selling them instead of leaving them to stale. I started selling them to my friends – who fully and continuously supported me – and over time, to the people around the neighborhood who wanted to try our pastries.” Now, Laguda’s small pastry business has been able to help her family during this time of crisis. “With the small amount that we made from the pastries, I was able to save up. It also helped pay our bills.” As a piece of advice for fellow PAGCORians, Laguda shared that it is easier to do something that you are passionate with. “Mas madaling gawin ang mga bagay na gusto nating gawin kaya hindi tayo mahihirapan sa pagtaguyod ng serbisyo o produkto na nais nating ibahagi.”

Real deal Julius Anthony Panes, Security Staff 2, CF Davao Health-conscious mom Even in the real estate business, dealing is something turns into a businesswoman that he does best. Dealer Julius Anthony Panes was assigned in Mactan Jamila Faye Basa, in 2016 when one of their Pit Supervisors, who was also a real estate broker, invited him to join their team. Treasury Assistant, CF Davao Joining the real estate industry helped him fight home- sickness since he was originally based in CF Davao. Treasury Assistant Jamila Faye Basa’s venture started In November 2016, he returned to CF Davao. But it was from a simple invitation from a college classmate who is not an easy journey. “In two years, wala akong sale ni now a cabin crew. isa because I was dependent on our team and sa Davao “She told me to join one or two webinars about Health wala pa kaming team that time so I gave up.” & Freedom. Dahil dito, nabuksan ang isipan ko sa It took him three years to finally make his first sale katotohanang without your health you will lose every- with a team that is now based in the area. thing, Yung cliché na “true health is wealth”. It also “Then in 2020, I decided to change my attitude and fo- opened me to the possibility that you can be healthy and cus on the business. With God’s will, I made sales. During wealthy at the same time,” shared Basa. the pandemic, we thought that the real estate industry Basa also saw the potential of gig economy. “Retail, e- will suffer but because of the perseverance of our realty commerce and personal healthcare services ang poten- Talk about couple power Omar Anton Feo, Dealer II, CF Davao president and the team, we managed to continue with the tial winners ngayon kaya pinasok ko siya. I want to say business,” he said. that having a side hustle these days is the new normal,” Kathleen Feo, Assistant Slot Data Control Officer, CF Davao Panes advised that being a real estate agent is some- she said. thing that “you may want to consider since you don’t have She also stressed the importance of being prepared. For the Feo couple, the pandemic became a livery during the quarantine period.” to spend money to join realty and management. Time “Hindi ibig sabihin na may pa-sweldo e Netflix and good opportunity to proceed with their long Their food business did not only provide ex- management is the key so as not to hamper your regular chill na lang. Thankful ako sobra sa management but I delayed business plan. “Ito ay nagsimula sa tra revenue source but also made them pro- job.” still want to be productive. Sabi nga di ba, tomorrow is isang munting ideya na matagal na namin ductive during the quarantine period. “Keep Being a real estate agent has also helped his family never promised. Kaya dapat prepared tayo. Sa ngayon gustong umpisahan pero ipit sa oras dahil yourself busy to maintain your mental well- financially. “Whenever we made sales, we receive cash meron, pero paano ‘yung bukas if wala na. Iba na pareho kaming nagtatrabaho kaya hindi being in this time of crisis. Huwag po mawa- incentives from the developer. Then for the commission, ’yung ready ka and one step ahead. masimulan. Nang magka-pandemya, nag- lan ng pag-asa. Kailangan lang mag-isip hindi naman agad-agad ma-receive iyon. Kaya nga As a mother, she can’t help but worry about a lot of karoon kami ng pagkakataon na ito ay at maging malikhain para sa ikabubuti ng sabi nila, kapag meron kang itinanim, meron kang things. “Kaming dalawa ng husband ko ay PAGCORi- maisakatuparan,” said the couple. ating pamilya.” aanihin.” ans, so it worries me if wala ng sweldo from PAGCOR. Omar and Kathleen, who are both in gam- The Feo couple also advised that “it pays “Time will come na magha-harvest din ako sa effort Kaya dapat may side hustle talaga or start your own ing operations, pursued their food business to be nice because you’ll never know that the ko. I did this for my family, para sa kanila ito. All of business,” Basa advised. “to supplement the decreased income of people whom you treated well would help you these belong to the glory of our Lord. Si God lang ang their family and to provide convenience during your hard times. Most importantly, it’s may alam at sa Kaniya lang ako kumakapit lalo na and safety to customers through free de- good to always pray and be thankful.” sa panahong ito,” Panes continued. THE PAGCOR INSIDER 12 April-June 2020 FEATURE

Uncle Roger’s Sisig with love Roger Rosero, Assistant Security Officer, CF Cebu

Assistant Security Officer Roger Rosero had something delicious to offer during the pandemic: selling his signa- ture sisig dish. “Naisip ko magbenta ulit ngayon kasi I saw the opportunity. It began last April 2020 pero sinubok ko na rin ito a few years back. Nagbenta ako sa co-workers pero on and off rin ang operation due to time constraints at priorities sa buhay.” Rosero was glad that amidst the pandemic, he found a good opportunity. “Nakita ko na uso ang mga online food selling. Instead of just letting this ECQ get the better of me, I decided to take it positively by selling my Uncle Roger’s Sisig. Since sisig is my specialty, I cook it with love and passion,” he said. Having so much time in his hands, he decided to post his product online. “Maliban sa kaunting income na ma-provide sa pamilya, nakatulong na rin sa mga tao for their convenience. Pinagluto ko na sila. Kakain na lang sila. They will just experience Uncle Roger’s Sisig whose slogan is, “Imal ug halang kaw nalang kulang (Masarap at maanghang, ‘kaw nalang ang kulang).” His venture also strengthened their bond as a family as they did things together. “It was a good way of spending time together while keeping myself busy,” he said. Rosero encourages those who love to cook or those who are good at something to turn their passion into profit. “Go for it. Don’t be afraid to try. Turn something negative (like COVID) into something positive (Uncle Roger’s Sisig online business). If may nasip kang gustong gawin, subukan mo. Who knows it will turn into something big. Start Small, Think Big, Act Now.”

From travelling to selling Matthew Herradura, Dealer III, CF Cebu His trip to Thailand prompted Dealer III Mat- flourish even during the pandemic. thew Herradura to become an online seller. “My business enabled me to support my “I saw the opportunity right there and then parents financially. I was able to help de- and thought of selling items such as clothes fray their monthly expenses like utilities and for cheaper prices,” he said. medicines with my extra income,” he said Since he had ample time in his hands, Her- His piece of advice to his fellow PAG- radura spent it productively by earning ex- CORians: “Act on your plans and make tra money for his daily expenses and setting things happen. With careful planning and aside some amount for savings. research, take into consideration your fi- Herradura said, the buy and sell busi- nances, the market you want to target, and ness is one of his favorite hobbies. He also most importantly, your interests so that believes that having a lot of friends and an you will enjoy every transaction, hardship active online platform makes the business and earnings.”

From real estate to fresh fruits Ricardo Dela Gente, Gaming Assistant, CF Bacolod From selling properties to fresh fruits, Gam- ing deals at an average 1 to 2 hous- ing Assistant Ricardo Dela Gente simply ex- ing units a week even during the ECQ cels. period. A real estate agent for a year now, he “I am blessed and thankful for never stopped doing what he enjoyed: clos- being recognized for my achievement as the team’s Top 1 for con- tribution and sales performance despite this crisis. I am grateful that I also got to sell and deliver fresh fruits to my customers, who are mostly my co-workers. The crisis is never a hindrance to look for new ways to earn and survive. I can still do business over the phone and through Facebook messenger,” Dela Gente said. The main ingredients to success, according to Dela Gente is to “Dream big. Push yourself to realize your goals. Enjoy what you do and pray always.” THE PAGCOR INSIDER 13 April-June 2020 FEATURE

Pastry Princess reigns during quarantine period Marie Claire Cabillo, Slot Machine Data Control Assistant, CF Bacolod Slot Machine Data Control Assistant Marie Claire Ca- billo made sure she has a lot of food to sell, especially during the pandemic. “It started as a hobby, cooking for family and friends, even helping prepare meals for the Poker Tournament during the branch’s fund raising activity, as suggested by our Branch Manager Jose Marciano Bautista,” Ca- Bicolano food at its best billo shared. She shared that at first, she would take photos of her Ronald Allan Maristela, home cooked meals, which were requested by his son and post them on Facebook. “The positive comments Senior Nurse, CF Bacolod and requests inspired me to turn my passion for cooking into a business,” she said. Bacolodnons were able to Cabillo shared that her proceeds from selling bibing- experience Bicolano’s best ka, puto pao, spicy sisig, puto cheese, ube cheese pan- through Senior Nurse Ronald desal, seafood paella, among other dishes – was used to Allan Maristela’s cooking skills. buy better baking equipment, maintenance medicines “My love for cooking and my for her mother and savings for her son’s education in spare time led me to feature Bi- the coming school year. col Express, Spicy and Regular Her tips to fellow PAGCORians: “Learn new skills Bagoong, Pinangat, Cinnamon and do not depend solely on your salary. Inspire others Roll and other delicious Bicol- with what you do. When it comes to cooking, continue ano specialties on Facebook. practicing since it is very crucial to kitchen success.” These dishes earned me instant clients. I would cook their requests, prepare them in tubs and deliver the goods personally,” he shared. Cooking has not only kept Maristela busy. It also helped him earn extra money for his His piece of inspiration for fel- mother’s maintenance medi- low PAGCORians: “Persevere cines and daily expenditures at and do what makes you happy. home. Money will eventually come.”

For the love of cars Jayford Verano, Telephone Operator, CF Bacolod Telephone Operator Jay- ford Verano knows too well that his love for cars can give him more than just a good, long drive. “I’ve got ample time to up- load pictures of second hand vehicles online for interested buyers. I’m thankful I was able to sell six units during the ECQ. Despite the financial challenges, I am grateful that I was able to provide for my wife and two kids and pay our monthly bills,” said the business-oriented father. Artistry during the pandemic One thing is for sure, he Marichel Dela Torre, Assistant said, “as long as it is a decent way of earning, go for it!” Gaming Officer, CF Bacolod The artistic mind of Assistant Gaming Officer Marichel Dela Torre was put to test during the quarantine period. “While sales can be sporadic as the art industry is quite unpredictable, I’m quite blessed with increasing requests for painting commission works during the ECQ. The long quarantine period was an advantage because painting consumes a lot of time,” shared Dela Torre. She considers her side artistic venture as divine provi- dence in these trying times. “Amidst the pandemic, I advice my fellow PAGCORians to work hard and learn new things. Continue to nurture your God-given gifts. Talent becomes natural if honed for years and it is truly appreciated when it begins to help put food on the table,” she said. Compiled by Ciara M. Tan- choco, Gay Charlotte E. Laguda, Marichel B. Dela Torre and Cherryl Pelayo-Dacua THE PAGCOR INSIDER 14 April-June 2020 CORPORATE DEPARTMENTS CMED sets up ‘Oplan Tulungan’ for its personnel

s more people reel from the ef- not suffer from lack of basic necessities, health con- hausting his healthcare allocation. ditions and other concerns during home quarantine. Realizing the benefits of the system to the CMED fects of strict quarantine proto- One thing that made the system effective was the team, several PMTs in the Entertainment City, Clark Acols implemented by the govern- establishment of constant communication among and Thunderbird Group eventually followed suit and ment to combat the COVID-19 pandem- its implementers, who gave updates on each clus- started adopting the system in their licensed casinos. ter thrice a week through remote and social me- The system also supplemented the CMED team’s ic, the Compliance Monitoring and En- dia platforms. It also allowed easy access to food transportation requirement during the pandemic as forcement Department (CMED) came suppliers, medicine, online medical consultation, each cluster was divided into groups that have mem- up with a clustered monitoring system online service providers and emergency hotline bers who own private vehicles. This proved essential numbers. in the procurement of supplies, conduct of dry run aimed at overseeing the current living Likewise, advisories and correspondences from and stress tests in the absence of public transporta- conditions of its personnel. the office were disseminated to the teams. Regular tion. zoom conferences were also conducted by the mem- For the system to be utilized comprehensively, SC- Dubbed “Oplan Tulungan”, the system was con- bers to relieve the anxieties and uneasiness of those MEO Dalao collaborated with SCMEO Amiel Pagu- ceptualized by the PAGCOR Monitoring Team suffering from the effects of the lockdown. layan of D’Heights Casino to come up with a PMT (PMT) of Okada Manila under Senior Com- The “Oplan Tulungan” support system ex- Clustered Monitoring Manual, which strategizes the pliance Monitoring and Enforcement Offi- tends beyond one’s office family, like the case action plan requisite for the COVID-19 pandemic and cer (SCMEO) Alexius Dalao to ensure that of one PMT Okada team member who received any possible natural calamity or disaster. CMED employees and their families will financial aid through “e-Ambagan” after ex- – Jennyline G. Cortez and Joanna F. Mateo

The world is currently waging But as restrictions are slowly a tough battle against the global being lifted to give way to eco- health pandemic caused by CO- nomic recovery, the Inter-Agen- VID-19, a virus that is not seen cy Task Force for Emerging In- 1 by the naked eye. Across the fectious Diseases (IATF) sets in globe, the deadly disease does place the following health safety not spare even the richest, pow- standards/protocols to contain erful and influential countries. the spread of the deadly disease: In the Philippines, the pandemic forced the government to temporarily halt the operations of various business establishments, Physical/social public transportation, construc- distancing tion work, entertainment and leisure activities, social gather- ings and casinos, among others, to prevent the virus from spreading further.

Sanitations/washing of hands/disinfections

Online payment of bills

Illustrations By MARIO R. GALAPATE Creatives, CCD THE PAGCOR INSIDER 15 April-June 2020 CORPORATE DEPARTMENTS CMED adapts to the new normal As PAGCOR employees return to reach teams from the northern to reviewed and realigned to achieve Slot Machine their offices on skeletal duty, the southern parts of the country. its purpose of proficiency and en- Compliance Monitoring and En- “Our existing classroom-type hanced productivity,” said Rob- forcement Department (CMED) seminars will be shifted to Virtual ert Lucquiao, CMED’s Asst. Vice Dept utilizes has embraced new ways of keep- Instructor Led-Training (VILT) President. ing track of their personnel’s pro- and webinars to address the com- “There is a renewed sense of ductivity. petency gaps and to motivate our urgency during these trying times, online platform Through the help of internet employees. We shall use blended and we shall improve on existing and modern technology, CMED e-learning platforms to improve platforms to provide alternative regularly communicates with its our personnel’s competencies, structures of learning. We feel a to introduce latest divisions and units via social me- maximize the potential of op- tremendous responsibility to do dia and virtual meetings. erational efficiency and ensure something. We will adapt and gaming trends In the succeeding months, prompt delivery of service. As a recover, be better and stron- CMED will convert conventional continuity plan, the mentorship ger,” he added. – Fatima seminars into remote trainings to program for our personnel will be Talag and Jennyline Cortez The Slot Machine Department did not allow the COVID-19 pandemic to hamper its system enhancement efforts by joining hands with electronic gam- Celebrating summer sans the merry-making ing manufacturers and distributors in introducing the latest products What happens when employees season. We have been remuner- for granted and and gaming trends through online start to receive the much-await- ated while staying at home, yet became more presentations. ed 13th month bonus every year? we still felt a great level of uncer- practical. PAGCOR’s major partners and big- This year, we welcomed this tainty. Merry-making and other Summer has gest players in the gaming industry financial blessing much earlier lavish, self-rewarding activities ended and our kids offered to conduct a virtual product than usual. Our summer last have suddenly taken a back seat are returning to presentation using Zoom Cloud Meetings year was full of what could have to adapting various skills for school on a much lat- as platform. RGB Ltd., one of PAGCOR’s been MWR merriments for every survival and sustainability. er date. As much as we electronic gaming machine distributors, department or perhaps family Amid this health crisis that we want to confine ourselves, organized their product presentation last May 6, reunions and other social gath- are in, we found hope on the posi- we shall continue our lives em- 2020 and invited Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty erings. We were used to enjoying tive changes that we reflected on bracing this new normal. We Ltd. and Scientific Games Corporation as presenters. life through the generosity of our and enacted. We became health rest all our anxieties and focus PAGCOR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Andrea beloved company. conscious, family-centered and on adapting to the changing D. Domingo joined the event. However, the summer of 2020 work assertive. We learned to times, lest we become extinct. Another product presentation was organized with will forever be a life-changing value the things we have taken – Fatima Talag and Joanna Mateo Jumbo Technology Co. Ltd. as host last May 26, 2020. Both events were attended by the invited group/ department/branch heads and other key officers and personnel of Slot Machine Department and branch Slot Machine Divisions. The Slot Machine Department continues to demonstrate its support to the management in the achievement of PAGCOR’s quality objectives amidst the pandemic. Through these virtual offerings, the leaders of different branches and satellites remain abreast with the latest products and offerings that may aid the agency’s revenue-generation efforts once gaming opera- 2 3 tions resume nationwide. – Lennard James Baetiong IGOD promotes

Wearing of mask/ Personal Protective responsible gaming Equipment (PPE)/ Thermal scanning in CF branches Work from home/skeletal workforce The implementation of responsible gaming (RG) in all gaming establishments nationwide is an integral part of PAGCOR’s regulatory framework. To further promote responsible gaming, the Inter- nal Gaming Operations Department (IGOD), together with Slot Machine Department (SMD) and Security 5 6 Group (SG) whose representatives comprise Casino Filipino’s RG Committee of Assessors, conducted a Branch Responsible Gaming Orientation in CFs Ange- 7 les and Olongapo on February 27 and 28, respectively. Members of the Branch RG Team from different divisions, including Gaming, Slot Machine, Security, Trea- sury, Marketing and Bingo attended the orientation. The activity’s main objective was to familiarize branch personnel on the company’s programs and educate customers and personnel alike on the impor- Online purchase No essential itinerary, Blended learning tance of RG, as well as practices that will help prevent of basic necessities no travel/stay home for education customers from acquiring gambling problems. Senior Manager Maria Christina D. Elauria from HR Centers of Excellence, who is also a practicing psy- Obeying these protocols is 1. Eat healthy and nutritious 6. Practice good hygiene chologist, gave lectures on problem gambling and ways necessary to stop COVID-19 food, 7. Keep a happy disposition to prevent its negative effects and risks. infections from escalating fur- 2. Exercise regularly 8. Always pray The Branch RG Teams were tasked to cascade the ther. But we also need to effect 3. Drink plenty of water – Bernadette Odono orientation to all branch personnel. – Rodegelio F. Tayag healthy habits to strengthen our 4. Take vitamins and Maria Eliza Perena immune system. We must: 5. Get enough sleep/rest FMED shows Keeping mental health in check amidst COVID-19 appreciation to job Amidst the burgeoning number of hood and adolescence through health include: order personnel active COVID-19 cases in the coun- adulthood. • Getting professional help, if try, many of us are weighed down If you experience mental needed As a token of appreciation to their job order personnel by anxiety, stress and fear for the health problems, your thinking, • Connecting with others who served during PAGCOR’s relief operations at the uncertain future. The health crisis mood and behaviour could be af- • Staying positive height of the enhanced community quarantine, FMED has undeniably taken a toll on the fected. Many factors contribute • Getting physically active rewarded them with a sack of rice each. mental health of many people. to such condition, including: • Helping others FMED’s Senior Engineering Officer Rommel Blen said Mental health pertains to our • Biological factors, such as • Getting enough sleep their job order personnel deserve to be acknowledged emotional, psychological and so- genes or brain chemistry • Developing coping skills for their service and sacrifices. “This is PAGCOR’s sim- cial well-being. It affects how we • Life experiences, such as ple way of recognizing these men who spent countless think, feel and act. It also helps trauma or abuse Mental health problems are hours of dedicated labor and who had to be away from determine how we handle stress, • Family history of mental common but help is available home for a long time during the pandemic. The token relate to others and make choic- health problems and people suffering from them would make them feel appreciated and would serve as es. Mental health is important can get better and recover com- pasalubong to their families,” he said. in every stage of life, from child- Maintaining positive mental pletely. – Teodoro Victor S. Ela III

Sources: World Health Organization and Mental Health.gov | Compiled by Bernadette Odono & Maria Eliza Perena THE PAGCOR INSIDER 16 April-June 2020 FEATURE Meetings in the new norm s tight community quarantine measures remain in place, video conferencing has be- Acome an integral part of doing business. Such platforms have become a necessity for various industries as movements became restricted to authorized skeletal personnel and other essential workers.

Who would have thought that Wayne Kurtzman, Research thousands of companies, in- Director of market research firm cluding government agencies IDC, revealed that conferencing like PAGCOR would temporar- and collaboration apps rose by ily ditch the eight to 11-hour job a magnitude in two years. “Col- and would embrace work from laboration software moved from meet patients through video con- home? Some private companies a nice to have to a must-have,” ferencing technology. will even extend this work set-up he said. Most schools and universities until the end of the year. ResearchAndMarkets.com around the world have likewise Before the pandemic, only likewise reported that the glob- launched educational applica- companies that offered remote al video conferencing industry tions and online classes for use work for employees used the is expected to grow more be- in the new school year. video conferencing platform. cause many companies would Apart from companies, fami- However, the pandemic enabled opt to use it to connect with lies also get to keep in touch dur- video and collaboration tools us- clients and employees and pre- ing these trying times through age at an unprecedented rate. vent direct contact with people video conferencing. Zoom, for instance, had seen an while the pandemic is still out Humans are, by nature, socia- average of 200 million meeting of hand. ble, thus the appreciation for vir- participants daily at the begin- Government agencies meet tual meetings and get-togethers ning of the year, compared to the online, courts tackle cases vir- while avoiding physical gather- average 10 million in December tually, even healthcare service ings during this COVID-19 pan- 2019. providers – both large and small, demic. – Darren B. Agaton

Virtual meeting platforms are likewise being used by the medical industry for tele-consults.

Video conferencing platforms DGI, a leading provider of audio and visual communication products, listed the top video conferencing software for 2020, which include Zoom, Microsoft Teams, GoToMeeting, Skype for Business, and Cisco Webex. Depending on the person’s or organization’s needs and requirements, they can use any of these video conferencing platforms.

Cisco Webex Zoom Microsoft Teams GoToMeeting Skype for business This is an excellent video confer- Founded in April 2011 by Chi- This is Microsoft’s unified com- Like Zoom, GoToMeeting allows Developed by Microsoft, Skype encing platform for online train- nese software engineer Eric munications platform that com- screen sharing from desktops, offers unlimited meetings, screen ing, webinars, and remote sup- Yun, Zoom is one of the most bines meetings, chats, calls, files tablets, or mobile devices; can sharing, instant messaging, and port. It is also integrated with popular video conferencing soft- sharing with Office 365 applica- pass the screen to selected par- conferencing of up to 250 partici- Outlook and can be accessed ware these days. It made nearly tion stack. Unlike Zoom, this ticipants, and has drawing tools pants. The software also allows using Mac, Windows, and iPads. $4 billion in three months when software allows the collabora- for whiteboards. Users may integration into office applications Most businesses that have legiti- the pandemic hit the world. With tion of employees. They can also use its polling and “raise a such as Word, Excel, Powerpoint, mate security concerns opt to video, chat, and screen shar- share, search, store, or back- hand” features when needed. It One Note, and Outlook. Chats or use Cisco. ing capabilities, Zoom better up files using Microsoft Teams. allows 10 to 250 participants, de- conversation history can also be fits teams that meet frequently Users may also launch video pending on the type of plan. saved on Skype using Lync. because of its easy-to-use fea- conferences straight from their tures. It is also ideal for users chats. Its video conferencing can who want to effectively connect host up to 300 users. with their customers remotely. The number of participants who can join the meeting varies depending on the plan selected, but Zoom can handle over 3,000 participants. THE PAGCOR INSIDER 17 April-June 2020 FEATURE

AVP II ATTY. HERNANDO gm tomas a. of retirement but I’m still here. APIGO consolacion At first, it was the lure, glamour and excitement of casinos that From Page 20 From Page 20 kept me working for this industry, two decades, the hardwork- for self-growth, career opportu- plus the better than average pay. ing lawyer decided to tread nities easily opened up for Con- Later on, the constant problem on another path. But as he leaves solacion. how to keep the games protected, the confines of PAGCOR which From AGAM in 1988, he as- efficient, productive, secure, fair, was his home for 18 years, sumed bigger responsibilities in and fun became the challenge,” Apigo looks back at how the the gaming floor until he became he said. agency shaped him into the the Managing Head of the Gam- Now, being at the helm of PAG- effective leader and manager ing Department in 2004. He also COR’s Licensing and Regulatory that he is now. became the Branch Manager of Group, Consolacion’s team plays “You are an effective leader Casino Filipino Paranaque, Ba- a crucial role in the future of the and manager if you can will colod and Hyatt before assuming gaming industry in the country. your subordinates to imbibe as Assistant Vice President of “Having taken the role of oper- the paradigm that you set to the Gaming Department in May ating and licensing casinos in be followed and translate it 2014, and the Vice President of the country is huge in terms of into the realization of the en- the Licensing and Regulatory amount wagered (handle), reach visioned and desired goals,” AVP Apigo (2nd from left) with Office of the COO SVP Edwin S. Bermudez (3rd from Group in 2019. (foreign, local and online players), he shared. left) and other PAGCOR officials. Despite his huge responsibili- scope (more products are being li- With the country grappling ties, Consolacion did not forget censed to suit the gaming appetite with and reeling from the COV- cal gaming industry will be able changes and by being innova- his academic pursuits. In 2012, of new markets), and gross gam- ID-19 pandemic, Atty. Apigo be- to rise from the global health tive. he completed his degree in Busi- ing revenues,” he said. lieves that PAGCOR and the lo- crisis by learning to adapt to – Carol Joanne Pauline C. Premacio ness Administration (Major in However, Consolacion added Management) at the Philippine that PAGCOR’s vast experience in Women’s University. Two years actual operations came in handy later, he finished his Masters in in formulating the regulations Business Administration from the for proper monitoring of licensed same university. “Self-growth is operators. “Growth is certain about constantly improving your to arrive as we continue to com- skills, knowledge, character and pete with jurisdictions in Macau, competence at every opportunity. Singapore, Korea, Vietnam, Cam- You must also keep a positive and bodia and soon Japan. But first, helpful attitude because improve- there has to be a solution to CO- ment is not just about yourself. VID-19 because it attacks the very We all work and live with other business model that traditional people,” he shared. bricks-and-mortar casinos rely This could be the reason why on,” he explained. despite his busy schedule, Con- With the vast years of gam- solacion even joined PAGCOR’s ing experience in his belt, Con- Trainers’ Pool to teach techni- solacion said that although gut cal, supervisory, managerial and feel is good, in the gaming op- leadership skills to both gaming erations, it is best to be patient. and non-gaming staff. “Depend on data and don’t rush to judgment unless necessary. For the love of PAGCOR Be smart. Choose your battles. When asked if he ever thought There is always a superior so- about leaving the gaming indus- lution to every problem. Also, AVP Apigo (white shirt) poses with officers and staff of Procurement Department. try and PAGCOR early on, Con- planning is one of the require- solacion confessed that he only ments of good management. planned to stay for a couple of Without a good plan it’s so easy years “and find a more honor- to make mistakes. As the gurus able job.” say, failing to plan is planning to “But it’s now 2020 and I’m turn- fail,” he concluded. ing 64 this year. I’m a year shy – Kristina Mae R. Ombao

GM Jethro Chancoco (center) and VP Tomas A. Consolacion (right) share a light GM Jethro Z. Chancoco (2nd from left) with (from left) SOG 2 BM Pedro Michael M. Cendaña IV, SOG 5 BM Vidal T. Cabigon, moment with VP Ric Faraon of the Enterprise Services Group. Jr. and SOG 4 BM Daniel C. Cecilio. GM JETHRO CHANCOCO noted that it was during his ear- of continuous learning and edu- CF Angeles in 1999, Chancoco able to realize bigger net in- ly years with the state-run gam- cation. In fact, I earned my CPA was given the unenviable task of come. Now we stand first in From Page 20 ing firm that he learned valuable license when I was already with launching its entertainment ven- Metro Manila and third PAG- them eventually paid off when lessons that helped him grow PAGCOR way back in 1992,” he ue “Sinukwan Lounge” as soon COR-wide,” he boasted. he was promoted to Assistant professionally and as an indi- admitted. as its construction was finished. Through all his professional Internal Auditor in 1989. He was vidual. His duties included doing gruel- accomplishments, Chancoco’s later elevated to Internal Auditor “I have always lived my life in Growing professionally ing research and shuttling be- feet remain grounded. He be- in CF Laoag in 1993. From then the confines of my comfort zone. with PAGCOR tween Pampanga and Manila to lieves that to be an effective on, he continued to rise up the That’s work, home, church and Chancoco proudly acknowl- visit other entertainment hubs leader, one must be able to corporate ladder and assumed family. Working away from home edged that his successful pro- to check the latest entertain- “walk the talk, stay humble and the positions of Assistant Branch has opened my eyes and taught fessional career was the result ment trends. honest, know how to listen and Manager (CF Laoag, CF Angeles me how to live and co-exist with of his efficient leadership skill “We scouted for new talents learn and most of all, be God- and CF Paranaque), Senior Man- other people entirely alien to me honed through various PAG- and prepared an array of enter- loving and fearing.” ager (Marketing and Entertain- in ways and culture. It was my COR-sponsored trainings. These tainment offerings that would And as a leader who has ment Departments), Satellite Ca- first real experience in the real included Marketing trainings sound and look new to both our successfully hurdled every sino Manager (CF Angeles and CF world. I learned to accept, adjust and seminars and Management existing and prospective clients. tough challenge on his way to Davao), Officer-In-Charge (SOG 1) and adopt. It gave me the matu- Development Program at the In just a few months, our month- the top, Chancoco is confident and Branch Manager (SOG 1). rity to grow personally and emo- Asian Institute of Management, ly average revenue of around that PAGCOR will be able to Despite his fruitful career in tionally, to see the good in every among others. P35 million rose to P90 million,” survive the crisis caused by PAGCOR, Chancoco revealed that people and emulate the best char- With his management exper- he beamed. the COVID-19 pandemic, which there were two occasions when acter of my leaders,” he said. tise and sound decision-making, Chancoco counted as anoth- has been crippling not only the he considered taking his act else- His loaded work schedule and Chancoco hurdled a number of er proud achievement the re- agency’s operations but the where but was prevailed upon personal commitments do not al- tough situations that tested his surgence of CF Winford, which global economy. to stay by his superiors and col- ways give Chancoco the luxury competence and patience. One was already in the critical level “I have always been an opti- leagues. His biggest break came of relaxing. But when he does, of which was the challenge of re- of its operations when he took mist. This will pass. To survive in 2019 when he was named Gen- reading books is something that branding Casino Filipino as an over its reins. “We were fourth this crisis, we need to put our eral Manager of CF Winford. he enjoys to the hilt. entertainment venue, other than in Metro Manila and sixth na- acts together so we can move “I love to read. My passion for a gaming site. tionwide. For the past three on with our lives. We should not Valuable lessons reading began during my ele- As the head of the Marketing years, our operations income hide in fear if we want to win the The amiable PAGCOR officer mentary years. I’m an advocate and Entertainment Division of almost doubled and we were battle,” he said. – Jesse C. Ong THE PAGCOR INSIDER 18 April-June 2020 BRANCH HIGHLIGHTS

CF ANGELES Surviving the lockdown ever had CF An- geles employees Nbeen idle for a long stretch in the past due to a pandemic. But with their resilience in adapt- Staying at home ing to the tough situa- teaches people tion, they all managed to to be ‘real parents’ survive the 90-day lock- Staying at home during the down implemented by lockdown has given parents the government to min- the chance to demonstrate dren’s spiritual foundation situation by providing sufficient Meanwhile, the community good values to their respective through Bible studies. These imize the cases of COV- funding for those on duty. Other quarantine enabled employees families. activities made it easier for ID-19 infections. personnel also demonstrated to have more bonding time with Being with their parents all children to cope with bore- generosity by chipping in their their families and loved ones. the time enabled most children dom and enjoy life away There were others, however, resources to supplement the food Staying at home likewise di- to adopt the positive traits be- from their friends. who remained active at work de- supplies of the skeletal workforce. verted the employees’ interests ing inculcated on them. Both But more importantly, most spite strict quarantine restric- CF Angeles, through its Spe- to various productive endeavors parents and children also parents who stayed with their tions as they were required to cial Projects Committee, also like cooking and baking. discovered new things while children at home during the render skeletal duties. With the helped PAGCOR volunteers More importantly, the quaran- restricted to their abodes by lockdown have taught them to pandemic halting all business- reach out to different communi- tine period allowed the employ- strict quarantine rules. be thankful despite suffering es, survival proved difficult for ties in Pampanga and neighbor- ees to make serious reflections Some people took “real the inconveniences brought by those outside their homes. ing provinces to provide relief and treasure the act of giving. parenting” to a higher level the COVID-19 pandemic. The branch anticipated this assistance to those in need. – Marjorie Yandan by strengthening their chil- – Marjorie DC. Yandan

CF OLONGAPO CF DAVAO CF Olongapo disinfects gaming area Following the government’s declaration of a Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine last March to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 infections, CF Olongapo’s Acting Branch Manager Rafael Pater- no immediately ordered the disinfection of the gaming and slot machine area. He was assisted by A/SM Romulo Baguinon, Jr. and A/SSuO Normal Nicanor. Apart from cleaning the walls and ceilings of the facility, the branch’s Facilities Manage- being done regularly to make it “Bayanihan” ment personnel under FMOI safe for employees and guests Zenaida Domingo have also alike once gaming operations amidst the given CF Olongapo a facelift by gets the green light from the au- repainting its interior. thorities to resume. pandemic Disinfection of the branch is – Maria Dinah L. Lim In preparation for the resumption of the branch’s operations, CF Davao employees volunteered to clean and disin- fect their work areas to ensure compliance with the health and safety protocols of the government. Employees from the Slot Ma- chine, Treasury, Security, and Surveillance Divisions worked tirelessly to sanitize their work stations. Posters and foot mark- ings were installed to remind customers and employees to observe all protocols. – Idy C. Rodriguez

GenSan Satellite CF Winford reopens On June 8, 2020, Casino Fili- CF Winford serves internal customers pino (CF) Davao’s General San- tos Satellite opened its doors At the height of the Enhanced The branch’s nurses pro- to guests after almost three Community Quarantine in April cessed the health needs of em- months of closure due to CO- and May, frontline medical he- ployees such as the Letters of VID-19 pandemic. The reopen- roes of Casino Filipino (CF) Guarantee, Reimbursements ing only took effect after all em- Winford continued to serve fel- and Wellness ployees underwent Polymerase low employees. Benefit Alloca- Chain Reaction-testing for CO- One of them was Head Nurse tions. – Nelson VID-19. Paul F. Matinong who said that L. Roman Following the guidelines im- while they are concerned posed by the Inter-Agency Task about their personal Force, Acting Branch Manager safety and that of their Antonio Covarrubias ensured families, it is their that all health and safety proto- sworn duty to help cols were strictly implemented save lives at all such as wearing of mask at times by serving all times; observing physical fellow employ- distancing; disinfecting the ca- ees during the sino premises thoroughly from pandemic. time to time; and provision of alcohol, sanitizers, foot bath and hand washing stations. – Idy C. Rodriguez THE PAGCOR INSIDER 19 April-June 2020 BRANCH HIGHLIGHTS

SOG 5 SOG 4 prepares for the‘new normal’ n compliance with the health proto- in gaming Icols being enforced by the national government, the Satellite Op- erations Group (SOG) 4 together with its satellites in Citystate, Mad- ison, Tropicana Sta. Simulations to the Mesa and Pan Pacif- ic rolled out its plans new normal at SOG 5 for the “new normal” to SOG 5 Operations Department Leon oversaw the activities to- ensure the safety of its (ABOVE) BM Daniel Cecilio and the has spearheaded simulations gether with Pit Managers Ana- employees and custom- SOG 4 Management Panel discuss to the new normal gaming ac- lyn Pintac in Carmona, Rolly their plans for the reopening of SOG 4’s tivities in accordance with the Dizon and Donna Remulla in ers. gaming venues. strict health and safety guide- Binan and Emil Briones and lines released by PAGCOR’s William Santos in Town Cen- SOG 4 Branch Manager Daniel (LEFT) Gaming and slot machine areas Health Services Department ter, San Pedro. C. Cecilio together with the SOG undergo rearrangements to implement and Internal Gaming Opera- Branch Manager Jun Cabi- 4 Management Panel spearhead- physical distancing guidelines. tions Department. gon and SAM Vener Aranzaso ed the planning and prepara- The simulations were done observed the simulation ac- tions necessary for the reopen- protocols. Gaming tables were on June 8 (Carmona Site), June tivities. SOG 5 employees also ing of casinos. “We must do our arranged so that proper social 9 (Binan), and June 10 (Town gave suggestions on how to best to assure our customers distancing will be observed with Center in San Pedro). Casino better deal with gaming in the and employees that our casinos only three customers per table. Shift Manager Gerardo De new normal. – Ben-Hur S. Enriquez are clean, sanitized, and safe. No standing bettors will be al- We are very excited to welcome lowed. them again here at SOG 4, their Meanwhile, slot machines safe home in gaming,” Cecilio were rearranged to maximize shared. available spaces. Customers With the assistance of the En- casino. Karambola daily raffle will be one slot machine apart terprise Services Group headed draw, which is one of SOG 4’s while loitering in the area will be by Vice President Ricardo Far- banner promos implemented at strictly prohibited. aon, informational posters were Citystate and Madison satellite Layout of dining areas were posted in strategic areas of the will still continue with revisions modified so that physical dis- casino premises to remind em- such as limited physical con- tancing can be observed. Hand ployees and customers of the tact with customers and regular sanitizers were installed in key health protocols that they must sanitation of gaming parapher- areas for easy access of both observe such as social distanc- nalia used in the promo. Events customers and employees. Pro- ing, proper sanitation proce- that gather crowd such as table tective shields and barriers were dures, and proper wearing of games and slot machine tourna- put in place at marketing booth masks at all times. ments are temporarily suspend- and cages. General cleaning and SOG 4 also revised some of ed. sanitation were also done to its flagship and branch-initiated Further, physical adjustments guarantee the cleanliness and marketing programs to limit the in the gaming areas were imple- safety of all areas. number of customers inside the mented to adhere to the health – Juan Carlo B. Cervo

BRANCH CSR CF CEBU CF DAVAO PAGCOR donates PPEs Southern Philippines Medical Center receives PPEs to a hospital in Cebu PAGCOR, through its Casino Filipino (CF) Davao branch, turned over personal protective equip- To help address the shortage ment (PPEs) to Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) on May 28, 2020. The health facility of personal protective equip- received 600 protective suits; 10,000 face masks; 1,200 KN95 face masks; 500 face shields; 2,000 ment (PPE) in hospitals, PAG- shoe covers and 600 goggles. The items were turned over by CF Davao Acting Branch Manager COR, through its Casino Filipi- Antonio Covarrubias to SPMC Director Dr. Leopoldo De Vega. – Rommel A. Bielgo no (CF) Cebu branch, donated 5,000 units of PPEs to Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Cen- ter (VSMMC) on May 26, 2020. CF Cebu Officer-in-Charge Ma. Consolacion Pasion formally turned over PAGCOR’s donation to VSMMC Medical Center Chief II Dr. Gerardo Aquino, recognizing the invaluable con- Jr. and Strategy Management tributions and sacrifices of the Office Head Atty. Rey Cris Pan- country’s frontliners amidst ugaling. Also present during the the COVID-19 pandemic. event were CF Cebu Satellite Ca- Meanwhile, VSMMC Medical sino Manager George Santiago Chief Director Aquino shared and Senior Branch Administra- that PAGCOR’s PPE donation tive Manager Grace Santamaria. will go a long way in protecting Pasion said that the donation their medical personnel. was one of PAGCOR’s ways of – Cherryl Pelayo-Dacua CF WINFORD Turning threats to opportunities COVID-19 pandemic continues their skills. Some of them tried to cause unrest, anxiety and painting, cooking and baking and paranoia to millions around the learned new online skills. world. While many businesses Some personnel also vol- were affected and millions lost unteered for PAGCOR’s relief their jobs, many people still saw operations and helped in the opportunities despite the threat. repacking of relief goods in the When the Enhanced Commu- company’s warehouse in Old nity Quarantine was implemented Nayong Pilipino. Through their in Luzon from March to May, CF efforts, they were able to reach Winford employees were among out to their fellow employees those who made use of the time and other families whose com- to bond with their families, made munities were locked down. home improvements and honed – Shella Lyn S. De Guzman THE INSIDER April-June 2020 Homegrown Bets HILE they may have reached the apex of their respective professional careers, three PAGCOR execu- tives stand as living proof that there is no shortcut to success. W The officers look back with fondness and pride at how they were able to breeze past all odds on their way to the top.

Climbing the corporate From Bookkeeper to GM, Tomas A. Consolacion: ladder, not a walk in the park Chancoco recalls hurdles From a card dealer for Atty. Apigo on his journey to the top to a game changer ssuming the position of Assistant Vice is rise to the echelon of professional suc- “The only way to do great work is to love President II of the Procurement Depart- cess is a story that Casino Filipino (CF) what you do.” – Steve Jobs Ament (PD) may be the highlight of his 18- HWinford General Manager Jethro Chan- year service with PAGCOR, but Atty. Hernando coco will never tire telling and retelling. orking in the gaming industry may be far- Apigo will be the first one to say that his envi- As a young man who was just beginning to thest from his mind when Tomas A. Con- able climb to the top of the professional ladder chart his future in 1987, joining PAGCOR was Wsolacion, Jr. nonchalantly accompanied was not at all a walk in the park. something Chancoco did not plan at all. In fact, a friend from Baguio City who wanted to take the The challenge of heading one of the agency’s it was merely through the prodding of his cous- Dealer Qualifying Exam at the Philippine Interna- key departments, he confessed, lies in manag- ins that he took the agency’s pre-employment tional Convention Center in the summer of 1980. ing individuals with varying characteristics, examination with them. On board a bus bound for Manila, Consola- and it only got tougher as the days went by. “I just reluctantly obliged to accompany cion was clueless that such fateful day would “I learned a lot in handling people with dif- them to the old PAGCOR House to take the be the start of his long and fruitful career in the ferent personalities (both pleasing and not so exam. But as fate would have it, I passed and gaming industry. “Having nothing better to do, pleasing). I learned how to manage my time they failed,” he chuckled. I took the exam as well. In those days, it was as more effectively and make good use of the re- Chancoco’s first occupation was as Provident tough as today to become a Dealer. You had to sources that I have despite the limitations as Bookkeeper at the CF branches in Olongapo pass a battery of tests (mostly Math) and inter- the pressure to deliver necessary requirements and Angeles, a job he nearly regretted having views in a single day,” he said. is always there. At the same time compliance taken as it entailed work which he described as From a multitude of examinees, only a handful with existing laws, rules and regulations is a “beyond treasure-hunting”. survived. “My friend dropped out early on after must,” Apigo related. “My days were very excruciating other than the first test. Meanwhile, I had my physical exams The PD chief joined PAGCOR in 2002 at a challenging as I had to build and recreate the done. After a week or so, I started training, and time when the organization’s Corporate and financial statements, individual ledgers and in May 1980, I was serving as Dealer in a Philip- Legal Services Department (CLSD) was in need the books of the Provident Fund of the branch pine Casino Operators Corporation (PCOC)-run of two lawyers to fill-up their vacant positions. from scratch. They were also filled with coordi- casino at the Pines Hotel in Baguio.” “I was invited by one of my contemporaries at nation, interviews, records, recovery and com- the Ateneo de Manila University School of Law, munications to everywhere in PAGCOR,” he Early years in the gaming business Atty. Noel del Prado, to join PAGCOR. We had narrated. Being a Dealer in the 1980’s – when CCTVs a history of working together. I think he joined The arduous task of handling various re- were quite unheard of in the gaming areas – PAGCOR in 2001 as part of the then Corporate sponsibilities and successfully accomplishing meant “watching your table buddy and making and Legal Services Department,” he recalled...... sure he didn’t make any mistakes,” said Conso- Atty. Apigo did not think twice about accept- GM Jethro chancoco P17 lacion. This was on top of their duty to ensure ing the invitation as he deemed it as a great that players would have a good time. opportunity to grow professionally as a lawyer. For four years, he worked as a Dealer in the His competence and skill were immediately put Pines Hotel Baguio before he was briefly as- to test right on his first day at work when he signed to the Philippine Village Hotel in 1984. was handed a case file and asked to at- Casinos under the PCOC were then man- tend a court hearing in Quezon City. aged by Macanese managers, who ad- “Back then, a typical day at the of- opted Macau-based gaming practices. fice consisted of voluminous document But it was during those early years reviews, legal opinions to be rendered when he honed his table games deal- and preparations for court hearings. ing skills. “My eight years as a Dealer One has to be able to handle was a good time to learn basic work anything and everything under processes, best practices, people the sun as there was no exclu- skills, and how to deal with sivity of tasks or responsibili- customers,” he shared. ties in our department,” he said. On the side, Consolacion Atty. Apigo stayed at CLSD tried his hands on program- from March 2002 to December ming as an Apple II+ hob- 2009. He then became Senior byist in the 80s. “I had the Investigation Officer at the Cor- chance to work unofficially porate Investigation Unit from with the operations back December 2009 to November office. This collaborative 2012 and was promoted to Unit work provided me with a Head or Senior Manager of the 360O view of the gaming Adjudication Secretariat and operations, proper admin- Hearing Unit until December istrative tasking and good 2016. The PAGCOR officer was management – which were eventually elevated to his cur- critical to effective casino rent post in January 2017. operations,” he explained. “Every position that I handled had After the People Power its different idiosyncrasies that I en- Revolution in February 1986, joyed and cherished,” he noted. many PCOC casino workers were As he assumed bigger roles in absorbed by the New PAGCOR PAGCOR, Atty. Apigo constantly management. That time, he was equips himself with the neces- assigned in Casino Filipino Hilton sary tools to effectively carry (now Pavilion) as Dealer until he out his job by constantly read- was promoted to Assistant Gaming ing. “For me self-growth is a Area Manager (AGAM) in 1988. timeless pursuit, a life-long process. It’s a continuing and daily Embracing growth process. We are all students of With his extensive experience at life,” he said. (From left) the gaming table, constant thirst for Unfortunately, after almost Atty. Hernando Apigo, Assistant knowledge and continuous pursuit ...... Vice President II of Procurement Department; AVP II ATTY. HERNANDO APIGO P17 Jethro Chancoco, General Manager of CF Winford; GM Tomas a. consolaction P17 and Tomas A. Consolacion, Jr., Vice President I of the Licensing & Regulatory Group