BAGUIO CITY — Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco has committed financial support for the construction and improvement of key facilities at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).
During the PMA Alumni Homecoming ceremony, where he served as guest of honor, Tengco announced funding for several critical projects, including the construction of a new Candidate Control Liaison Office, a modern warfare laboratory, additional facilities for 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 prospective PMA cadets undergo physical exams before entering the academy. Tengco noted that the office is in serious need of renovation due to its deteriorating condition and pledged PAGCOR’s support for its reconstruction, despite no formal request from PMA management.
Tengco also promised to fund the development of a new warfare laboratory, designed to integrate modern combat strategies and advanced technologies into the academy’s curriculum. Additionally, he vowed to finance the construction of a martial arts studio and an Olympic-size heated swimming pool to enhance the PMA Sports Complex.
While the funding details are still being finalized, Tengco assured the PMA community that PAGCOR would provide the necessary resources to improve facilities for future cadets, fostering both education and skill 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,” Chairman 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 gratitude for PAGCOR’s support, emphasizing that the grants will 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.”
Looking ahead, Valencia revealed that next year, PMA will focus on integrating electronic warfare, cyber warfare, and artificial intelligence into its curriculum. He emphasized the need for larger facilities to allow cadets to test and apply their classroom learning.
Tengco also highlighted PAGCOR’s long-standing support for the PMA and the broader AFP community, citing several key contributions. These 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 upgrade of cadet barracks between 2016 and 2019. In 2019, Solaire’s Bloomberry Cultural Foundation donated an additional P80 million for further repairs to the PMA cadet barracks.
PAGCOR and its licensees have also funded other important projects, including the construction of the Veterans Memorial Medical Center Magiting Veterans Wing, a P53.22-million dormitory at V. Luna Medical Center, and a multi-purpose office building for the PMA Alumni Association.