PCSO reaffirms mission: Serve the people

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

With the theme “A Legacy of Service: The Strength Behind the Future,” the agency renewed its commitment to health equity and social welfare.

“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,” said PCSO general manager Mel Robles.

The celebration highlights the agency’s financial health, with revenues reaching P62.3 billion in 2024, up from P61.4 billion in 2023. These figures exceed pre-pandemic levels, enabling broader nationwide support, especially for the poor.

Also, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered a video message underscoring the PCSO’s contributions to nation-building and charity work.

The month-long anniversary celebration included the 2025 PCSO Charity Run at Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati, which saw more than 4,000 participants from government, the private sector, and the public promoting health and social responsibility.

Robles, who participated in the 5K race, remarked, “Every stride brings hope,” reiterating the agency’s motto, “Sa Bawat Taya, May Kawanggawa” and the agency also held a Thanksgiving Mass and Service Awards on 24 October, honoring employees with up to 30 years of service.

The PCSO reported significant program milestones, including the distribution of a record-setting 1,540 patient transport vehicles (ambulances) to local government units nationwide. Robles said the agency aims to attain its target of distributing 1,724 units this year, following a single-day record of 387 units distributed last 9 July.

Since 2022, the agency has released approximately P14.56 billion to more than 1.36 million patients as part of its medical assistance program. Additionally, the PCSO has remitted P18.7 billion to government agencies and allocated P4.2 billion to charity funds over the past three years, supporting public health and social services.

It also donated P125 million in medical equipment and provided 233,250 Charitimba food packs and more than 10,000 assistive devices to victims of natural calamities.

The agency has earned recognition for its efficient performance and prudent financial handling, improving its Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) rating from 56 percent in 2021 to 92.03 percent in 2023 and scoring 98.01 percent in 2024.

This efficiency led to its citation as the “Most Improved GOCC” and enabled staff Performance Based Bonuses for the first time in nine years.

Partner agencies, including the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Light Rail Transit Authority, Office of Civil Defense and the Philippine Coast Guard, were also recognized for their support during recent crises.

On the international front, Robles was elected as the first Filipino to the Asia Pacific Lottery Association Executive Committee in 2023, leading the country to host the APLA Regional Conference from 26 to 31 October this year, which saw a record attendance of 240 delegates.