PAGCOR backs PMA modernization projects

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco pledged financial support for critical upgrades at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) during this year’s PMA Alumni Homecoming, where he served as guest of honor.

Tengco announced that PAGCOR would fund the construction of a new Candidate Control Liaison Office, a modern warfare laboratory, additional facilities at the PMA Sports Complex, and patient transport vehicles. The Candidate Control Liaison Office, located at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Medical Center in Quezon City, is where successful PMA applicants undergo a complete physical exam before entering the academy in Baguio. Tengco explained that the office is in dire need of renovation due to its deteriorating condition.

“We were informed that this office is now in a serious state of deterioration and is in dire need of renovation,” Tengco said. “So today, we are affirming our commitment to help fund the construction of the new PMA Candidate Control Liaison Office even if the PMA management has not yet formally requested it.”

Tengco also committed to financing a new modern warfare laboratory, which will help integrate advanced combat strategies and emerging technologies into the academy’s curriculum. In addition, he promised to support the construction of a martial arts studio and an Olympic-size heated swimming pool as part of enhancements to the PMA Sports Complex. These new facilities will provide cadets with more opportunities for physical training and skills development.

Though funding details are still being finalized, Tengco assured the PMA community that PAGCOR’s involvement would ensure that future cadets have access to state-of-the-art facilities designed to foster both academic learning and physical development.

“These projects are proof of our commitment to protect the welfare of the brave men and women of the PMA and the Armed Forces who risk their lives for our nation,” Tengco said. “With grateful hearts, we will ensure that your sacrifices are never taken for granted and that you can always count on our cooperation and support.”

PMA Superintendent Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia expressed his appreciation for PAGCOR’s ongoing support, noting that the new grants would significantly benefit the academy. “We are ecstatic that PMA will be continuing its collaboration with PAGCOR,” he said. “As Chairman Tengco said, PMA and PAGCOR share a strong history of collaboration, and we are happy to continue that partnership.”

Valencia added that the PMA is set to introduce a new curriculum next year, focusing on electronic warfare, cyber warfare, and artificial intelligence. To successfully implement these areas, the academy will need larger, more advanced facilities where cadets can apply the theories they learn in class.

Tengco also highlighted PAGCOR’s long-standing support for the PMA and the broader AFP community. Some key past contributions include a P105-million grant in 2012 for the rehabilitation of the PMA Sports Complex, and P600 million in donations from PAGCOR’s licensees, Solaire Resort & Casino and Newport World Resorts, for the construction and improvement of cadet barracks between 2016 and 2019. Additionally, Solaire’s Bloomberry Cultural Foundation donated P80 million in 2019 for the repair of the PMA cadet barracks, which were showing signs of wear and tear.

PAGCOR and its licensees have also supported other initiatives, including the construction of the P53.22-million watchers’ dormitory at V. Luna Medical Center, the Multi-Purpose Office Building for the PMA Alumni Association, and the P105-million Veterans Memorial Medical Center Magiting Veterans Wing.