PCSO marks 91 years of service, reaffirms charity mission

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) marked its 91st anniversary on 30 October, coinciding with the National Day of Charity, reaffirming its mission to serve Filipinos through impactful, charitable, and service-driven programs.

“For 91 years, PCSO has remained strong because of our people — their dedication, integrity, and heart for service. Together, we will continue to be the strength behind a more compassionate future,” PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles said.

With the theme “A Legacy of Service: The Strength Behind the Future,” the PCSO renewed its commitment to health equity and social welfare, backed by a workforce known for integrity and compassion.

As the agency continues to expand, its financial stability remains a cornerstone of its ability to deliver medical and social aid, particularly to the poor across the nation.

Anniversary activities

As part of its month-long anniversary celebration, the PCSO held the 2025 PCSO Charity Run at Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City, in partnership with RunRio. More than 4,000 participants from government, private, and public sectors joined the event to promote health, unity, and social responsibility.

Robles, who joined the 5K race, lauded the turnout, saying, “Every stride brings hope,” while reaffirming the organization’s motto, “Sa bawat taya, may kawanggawa.”

The agency also held a Thanksgiving Mass and Service Awards ceremony on 24 October at Foro de Intramuros, recognizing employees with 10 to 30 years of service. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivered a video message highlighting PCSO’s contributions to nation-building and charity work.

Partner agencies, including MMDA, LRTA, OCD, and the Philippine Coast Guard, were also recognized for their support during crises such as Typhoon Opong and the Cebu earthquake.

Milestones and recognitions

PCSO revenues reached P61.4 billion in 2023 and P62.3 billion in 2024, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. These funds enabled the agency to expand its nationwide programs, including the distribution of 1,540 patient transport vehicles or ambulances to local government units nationwide.

Robles said the agency is on track to distribute 1,724 ambulance units this year. In July, the PCSO distributed 387 units in a single day — a record milestone.

Since 2022, the agency has released P14.56 billion in medical assistance to more than 1.36 million patients and donated P125 million worth of medical equipment to various LGUs and institutions. It also distributed P74.88 million to institutional partners, 233,250 Charitimba food packs, and more than 10,000 assistive devices to calamity victims.

Over the past three years, PCSO has remitted P18.7 billion to government agencies and allocated P4.2 billion to charity funds, supporting public health and social services.

Its improved performance raised its Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) rating from 56 percent in 2021 to 92.03 percent in 2023, earning recognition as “Most Improved GOCC” and enabling Performance-Based Bonuses for the first time in nine years.

PCSO also received several awards, including the ARTA Silver Award, GCG Stakeholders Relations Award, ISO 9001:2015 recertification, and WLA Level II Certification for Responsible Gaming.

Global recognition

Robles became the first Filipino elected to the Asia Pacific Lottery Association (APLA) Executive Committee in 2023, paving the way for the country’s hosting of the APLA Regional Conference from 26 to 31 October, which drew 240 delegates — the highest attendance to date.

“We thank our employees, partners, and the Filipino public for their continued trust and support in our lotto products,” Robles said.

As PCSO celebrates 91 years, Robles reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to bringing hope, compassion, and meaningful change to Filipinos — keeping charity at the heart of its mission.