The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) on Monday released an initial P10 million grant to the provincial government of Bulacan, launching a P60 million scholarship fund aimed at assisting 2,000 students from low-income families.

The funding will support the province’s Ayudang Hatid ay Tagumpay (AHT) Scholarship Program, which expands access to higher education and technical-vocational training for qualified local students.

During the ceremonial turnover of the first tranche at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium, PAGCOR chairperson and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said the initiative ensures that revenues from regulated gaming are directed into programs that directly benefit the public.

“By turning over the first tranche of the fund today, we are not only providing assistance to the education sector,” Tengco said. “We are also investing in the skills, dreams, and potential of our youth who will partner with us in building a more prosperous Bulacan and a stronger Philippines.”

Of the total P60 million allocation, P40 million will fund four-year college scholarships for 1,000 incoming freshmen, while P20 million will support 1,000 students pursuing technical-vocational tracks.

Tengco stressed that PAGCOR’s mandate goes beyond regulating gaming operations and generating state revenues.

He cited that while the agency was founded to curb illegal gambling, its most critical mission is returning earnings to citizens through community assistance and nation-building programs.

The scholarship turn-over was held alongside the Bawat Buhay Mahalaga Caravan, a local government initiative that delivers public services directly to communities.

Tengco also announced Monday that PAGCOR plans to fund the construction of 10 three-story school buildings in the province, as well as the establishment of the Bulacan Sports Academy for young athletes.