PAGCOR Davao traces its humble beginnings to the now defunct Philippine Casino Operators Corporation. (PCOC), a private gaming corporation. It was one of the casinos operated by PCOC before the first EDSA revolution. The transformation of PAGCOR Davao from a private corporation to what it is now has had its share of beautiful stories to tell.
Similar to Noah's Ark story and the Evan Almighty movie, several newly-hired PAGCORIANS were dispatched to the different casino nationwide, mostly in pairs. Sent to Davao Casino in April 1986 were Mr. Rudolf "Doy" Lopez and Estrella Luz B. Cabebe. The Casino then was located beside the Davao Light & Power Co., along Bajada or J.P. Laurel Avenue. Back then, there were only fourteen(14) gaming tables, fifty (50) Slot machines and operating hours were just one shift, from 8:00pm to 4:00am. Treasury operation was being handled by the personnel of the Traders Royal Bank. Sans any position, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) monitoring team was how the pair introduced themselves. Mr. Lopez monitored the gaming operations while Ms. Cabebe was tasked to monitor the Treasury operations. Several days soon after, another pair of PAGCORIANS arrived in the person of Ariston Alvarez and Edward Gallardo. The Casino was still under the management of PCOC represented by BM Cesar Cruz and Casino Operations Managers, Mr. Stephen Kok and Tomas Cam.
On June 12, 1986, PAGCOR decided to take over the complete control and operation of all casinos. From a mere regulatory body, PAGCOR became the country's top three income earner for the government. PAGCOR Davao was the first casino to re-open on August 11, 1986 with the late Romeo Continuado as the Branch Manager. Since 1986, PAGCOR Davao has been under twelve (12) other Branch Managers. Mr. Danilo Cruz immediately succeeded Mr. Continuado and served until 1988. Mang Danny, as he was fondly called, first introduced the value of social responsibility through the regular conduct of outreach programs dubbed as "Handog Puso ng PAGCOR". Mr. Vicente Veloso, took over in 1988 until 1989 and instilled the importance of discipline especially at the gaming pit. Mr. Bernardino "Bing" de Belen followed, serving from 1989 to 1992. It was during his term when PAGCOR Davao expanded its operation and had a renovation in 1991. Mr. Bing will always be remembered for his prudent spending. Mr. Dario Cordero took over from 1992 to 1994 and the Branch personnel were his focal point. People did not only improve and develop, many were also promoted. Mr. Richard Syhongpan followed through 1994 to 1997 and he introduced a lot of innovations. While Mr. Syhongpan initiated the transfer of PAGCOR Davao to Mercure Grand Hotel (now Grand Regal Hotel), it was Mr. Rogelio Y. Bangsil, Jr. who labored for nine months and gave birth to this ethnic inspired casino; Boss JB emphasized the importance of marketing and encouragingly assured everyone that there is no bad marketing. He said branch efforts will always have its good effects thus, inspiring key officers to always explore, experiment and expect. Mr. Alex Betita took over soon after from 1998 to 2001 and it was his time when dramatic increases were achieved, i.e. the branch broke income records. Boss Alex made his key officers soar high ! Mr. Carlos (Padi) Padilla III who is now retired succeeded Mr. Betita up to 2002. Mr. Padi personally conducted marketing sorties in an effort to further increase customer attendance.
Then, Mr. Roberto de Jesus became the Branch Manager from 2002 to 2003 and again gave importance to social responsibility. He initiated the giving of support - financial, medical, dental, etc. - to the people of Marilog District, an impoverished community in the City. Then, Mr. Arthur Malatag took over CF-Davao on October 2003 up to the present. These are the people who steered the Branch to greater heights. It may be worthy to note that Mr. de Belen was SBM before he retired from PAGCOR. Mr. Cordero is now Senior Branch Manager, Mr. Bangsil is also now SBM and likewise, Mr. Betita is the newest SBM. Two other SBM's, who were also assigned in PAGCOR Davao were SBM Jose Tulio as BSO in 1991 and SBM Roberto Reyes as CSM in 1997. PAGCOR Davao has been under the care of managers who are now senior leaders of PAGCOR whose nuggets of wisdom and professional values have been adapted by the Branch personnel. "Magagaling ang mga Taga PAGCOR Davao". BM Art Malatag proudly claims. One of BM Art's missions is to change the notion that PAGCOR Davao is where "misfits" are being exiled. Most of those who became SBMs have, at one point, been assigned to PAGCOR Davao and they certainly not "misfits". They were in fact the cream of the crop; the best in their class; the cut above the rest - just like the pair of creatures saved by the Noah's ark. They have been carefully selected and would be the model for those who will come after them.