Over a century since Dr. Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines, initiated an educational project using his lottery prize of P6,200 in 1892, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, or PCSO, has evolved its lottery ticket proceeds to extend support for medical and nutrition needs of underprivileged individuals.

Adapting to the digital era, the PCSO is developing a mobile app to provide games to a wider audience, including Filipinos living abroad and the younger generation, with the aim of generating additional funds for its charitable endeavors.

Erik Imson, a marketing specialist at the PCSO and host of its lottery draw, is actively involved in various innovation and financial forums to ensure the successful implementation of this initiative.

"Through our mobile app, Filipinos can participate in our games from anywhere they are, including those who have family members working overseas," he mentioned during the Daily Tribune's Asian Innovation Forum held last month at The Bellevue Manila in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

Social responsibility

At the small and medium entrepreneurs' event, Imson highlighted the crucial significance of sharing financial resources, no matter how small, to support individuals who are less fortunate.

Imson emphasized the widespread need for assistance in the provinces, where many individuals turn to PCSO branches for help with hospitalization and other necessities. The purpose of the event was to contribute a portion of the ticket sales' proceeds to those in greater need.

By purchasing lottery tickets priced between P10 to P20, the public can make a meaningful contribution towards meeting the medical and nutritional needs of over 8,000 individuals.

This initiative is carried out through the collaboration of more than 14 charitable organizations and public health centers, such as the Red Cross, Blood Bank, National Mental Hospital, Boys' Town in Marikina, Missionaries of Charity in Cebu, Golden Acres, Tala Leprosarium, Commission on Family Life in Laoag City, Bacolod Boys' Home in Negros Occidental, and Leprosarium in Zamboanga City.

"We have all become acquainted with the Internet primarily through platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Our goal is to leverage the Internet to create opportunities for Filipinos to earn additional income while also lending a helping hand to those in need," Imson stated.

Government data indicates a significant potential user base for the PCSO mobile app. According to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, there are over 2 million overseas Filipino workers spread across more than 200 locations.

In the Philippines, there are at least 85 million Internet users and a smartphone penetration rate of 85 percent, as per data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Imson believed that by offering better economic prospects for OFWs, the PCSO can increase ticket sales. This, in turn, can enable families of OFWs based in the Philippines to receive additional funds to share with the sweepstakes office.

In October 2018, the PCSO's jackpot prize reached an unprecedented amount of P1 billion.

In addition to its Medical Access Program, the PCSO is legally obligated to fund 40 percent of the universal healthcare program.

As the population continues to grow, there will be an increasing demand for PCSO services, as highlighted by Imson. According to data from Statista, the Philippine population is projected to rise from 112 million to 119 million by 2028.

Furthermore, the United Nations reported that the poverty rate among Filipino children alone reached 12.4 percent last year. These statistics emphasize the urgent need for accessible and comprehensive healthcare services provided by organizations like PCSO.