A total of 2,000 students from low-income families in Bulacan will benefit from a Php60-million scholarship fund from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), which released an initial P10-million grant to the provincial government on Monday, July 6.
The fund will support the Ayudang Hatid ay Tagumpay (AHT) Scholarship Program aimed at expanding access to higher education and technical-vocational training for deserving Bulakenyo students.
During the turnover of the first Php10 million at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium, PAGCOR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Alejandro H. Tengco said the initiative helps ensure that revenues from regulated translate to programs that directly benefit Filipinos.
“Sa pag-turn over natin ng unang tranche ng pondo ngayong araw, hindi lamang tayo nagbibigay ng tulong sa sektor ng edukasyon,” Mr. Tengco said.
“Namumuhunan din tayo sa kakayahan, pangarap, at potensiyal ng ating mga kabataang magiging katuwang natin sa pagbuo ng mas maunlad na Bulacan at mas matatag na bansang Pilipinas.”
Of the Php60 million allocation, Php40 million will fund scholarships for 1,000 incoming college freshmen enrolled in four-year degree programs, while Php20 million will support 1,000 students pursuing technical-vocational education.
Mr. Tengco added that PAGCOR’s role extends beyond regulating gaming operations and generating revenues for the government.
“Una, itinatag ang PAGCOR para masugpo ang ilegal na pasugalan,” he said.
“Pangalawa, at ang pinakamahalaga, ay upang maibalik sa taumbayan ang mga kinikita ng PAGCOR sa pamamagitan ng mga programang makatutulong sa mga Pilipino at sa nation-building.”
Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando welcomed the assistance and said it would enable more students to pursue their studies despite financial constraints.
“We thank PAGCOR for its continued support in the education of the Bulakenyo youth. This scholarship program will help expand access to quality education and create opportunities for deserving students across the province,” Governor Fernando said.
The scholarship program forms part of the Bawat Buhay Mahalaga Caravan, which brings government services and assistance closer to local communities, including initiatives that promote greater access to education.
Mr. Tengco also announced that PAGCOR will fund the construction of 10 three-story school buildings in Bulacan and the establishment of the Bulacan Sports Academy for aspiring young athletes.