The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has allocated an initial Php1.37bn (US$22.8m) to fund a construction programme to build 25 new public schools nationwide.
This initiative is part of PAGCOR’s partnership with the Department of Education that will see the gambling regulator build 125 school buildings over two years and ease student waiting lists.
To support the various plans PAGCOR has to improve infrastructure across the Philippines, the regulator has told online gambling operators that they will be required to allocate a portion of their gross gaming revenue to socio-civic programmes.
When the two companies signed the memorandum of agreement (MOA), PAGCOR assured the Department of Education that over Php8bn has already been earmarked for the full project.
The funds for this project will be released to local government units (LGUs) in three phases to ensure they are implemented properly.
Each LGU will receive Php55m to build a three-story school building with 12 classrooms.
They will also be fully equipped with chairs, tables, electric fans, microphones, a 75-inch smart TV, and a free internet subscription that lasts one year.
Every building will also be designed in a way that makes it accessible to people with disabilities.
Alejandro Tengco, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO, said: “Our commitment to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is that all classrooms will be completed no later than 2027.
“We have learned that the country has an estimated 165,000 classroom shortage, which is a daunting challenge for any administration.
“This project is truly important because I believe that if every Filipino youth has a good foundation in education, our country has great hope.”
This project hopes to target areas in the Philippines where students have overcrowded classrooms, irregular schedules and sometimes makeshift learning areas.
Sonny Angara, Education Secretary, said: “We thank PAGCOR for its continued support to the education sector.
“These classrooms are not just physical structures; they are places where dreams can become reality for millions of young Filipinos.
Last month, PAGCOR pledged funding to the Philippine Women’s National Football Team ahead of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia.
The first batch of recipients includes LGUs in La Union, Pangasinan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Bulacan, Zambales, Batangas and Cavite, as well as those in Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Albay, Camarines Sur, Antique, Samar, Davao Oriental, South Cotabato, Lanao del Sur and Sulu
