As communities across Luzon struggle to recover from the relentless storms and flooding that battered the region in July, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has emerged as one of the earliest responders, delivering more than P67 million worth of relief aid to tens of thousands of affected families.

More than 74,000 families across Metro Manila and various provinces in Luzon have so far received food and non-food packs containing rice, canned goods, noodles, coffee, hygiene kits, and sleeping mats. PAGCOR’s rapid deployment of assistance is part of its ongoing effort to help disaster-stricken areas recover from the impact of successive weather disturbances.

In the final week of July alone, PAGCOR distributed 41,000 relief packs valued at Php37 million to residents of Zambales, Bulacan, Laguna, Mindoro, Rizal, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, and Olongapo City. The agency also coordinated with the Tingog Partylist and the Office of Senator Lito Lapid to provide care packages for distribution to their respective constituents.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco emphasized that their work continues even after the storms have passed.

“Today, even after the rains have stopped and the floodwaters have subsided, we continue to provide support to severely affected communities because we understand that recovery from the aftermath of disasters takes time,” the PAGCOR chief said.

Prior to this, while heavy rains were still ongoing, the agency had already delivered Php30.41 million worth of aid to families in Manila, Quezon City, Marikina, Parañaque, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Bulacan, Occidental Mindoro, La Union, and Laguna. These efforts ensured that help arrived even in the middle of crisis situations.

“PAGCOR remains committed to support affected communities as they try to get back on their feet,” Mr. Tengco said.

Among those who received aid was Olongapo City, where PAGCOR turned over 2,000 food and non-food packs on Friday, 31 July. Mayor Rolen Paulino expressed his gratitude for the agency’s timely response and tangible support for his constituents.

“Sa PAGCOR, maraming salamat sa inyong malasakit para sa aming mga kababayan. Hindi po namin ito makakalimutan at malayo po ang mararating ng tulong na ito sa amin," (To PAGCOR, thank you very much for your compassion for our fellow citizens. We will never forget this, and your assistance will go a long way for us.) he said.

For PAGCOR, disaster response is not only about providing emergency relief during the height of calamities but also about staying present as communities begin the longer journey toward recovery. By working with local government units and legislative offices, the agency has managed to reach both highly urbanized and remote areas in need of immediate help.

The coordinated relief missions also highlight PAGCOR’s wider role as a government-owned and controlled corporation that not only regulates the gaming sector but also carries a strong commitment to social responsibility. This includes responding to crises with speed and compassion, particularly in times when many families are left vulnerable by natural disasters.

As communities begin rebuilding, PAGCOR’s support signals a broader understanding that recovery requires more than one-time aid. It demands sustained attention and care.

While the damage caused by the July storms was extensive, the swift and large-scale mobilization of resources by agencies like PAGCOR shows that government support can be both timely and impactful. With food, hygiene supplies, and essentials in hand, thousands of families are now a step closer to regaining a sense of normalcy.