The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) continues to build a legacy for the Filipino youth after it earmarked an additional P2 billion to fund the construction of about 2,000 classrooms in public schools all over the country. This is part of PAGCOR’s commitment to the “Matuwid na Daan sa Silid Aralan” Project which aims to address the classrooms shortage in the country and improve the quality of education for the Filipino youth.

The additional funding brings PAGCOR’s total allocation for its school building project to P3 billion. It will be recalled that the agency initially provided a P1 billion funding for the construction of almost 900 classrooms and 100 Gawad Kalinga (GK) Learning Centers when the project was launched in 2011.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Cristino Naguiat, Jr., Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro and Secretary Rogelio Singson of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) inked a Memorandum of Agreement on April 5 to mark the second phase of the “Matuwid na Daan sa Silid Aralan” Project.

According to Naguiat, PAGCOR will continue to “provide the funds to help address the acute deficiency of classrooms and school buildings nationwide. In coordination with the DepEd, we will continue to oversee the monitoring of the project to ensure that construction is on time and follows the agreed quality standards we have set. We only want the best for the country’s future leaders.”

The selection of school beneficiaries will be determined by PAGCOR based on DepEd’s data on classroom shortages. The state-owned gaming firm will also designate specific locations that will be prioritized for the construction of the school buildings.

On the other hand, the DepEd will provide the architectural plans for the classroom structures subject to PAGCOR’s final approval. DepEd will also monitor the school buildings’ construction status and provide the teachers, professionals and support staff needed for the operation of the PAGCOR-funded classrooms.

PAGCOR and DepEd are tapping the DPWH’s technical expertise in building infrastructures. The DPWH will primarily handle the actual construction of the classrooms and school buildings.

When the Aquino administration assumed office in 2010, the shortage in classrooms at government-subsidized schools nationwide was recorded at 66,800.

Luistro said that through government funding like the “Matuwid na Daan sa Silid Aralan” project, more than 32,000 classrooms had been built as of December 2012. “By December 2013, we hope to finish the construction of the 66,800 which are part of the backlog identified in 2010,” Luistro added.

The classrooms that will be constructed using the additional P2-billion funding from PAGCOR will cover the backlogs that were not included in 2010. “Every year, there is an increase in enrolment. The additional classrooms that will be built by PAGCOR will cover the areas with major increase in enrolment,” Luistro further explained.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Cristino Naguiat, Jr. said the state-owned gaming agency’s commitment to build more classrooms reinforces its role as one of government’s staunchest allies in nation-building. “We see joy and hope in the eyes of several students whenever we visit them during the turn-over of the classrooms that PAGCOR built for them. The smile on their faces and the thought that they would no longer hold classes under the trees or in dilapidated buildings inspire us all the more to continue this mission.”

Naguiat explains that “the budget that we allocated for this project basically came from our savings and the prudent management of PAGCOR’s funds. We are also currently in talks with DepEd on what other projects are needed for the next school year so that PAGCOR can continue its help to the education sector,” Naguiat added.

On the other hand, DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson expressed confidence that they can absorb more classroom construction by the second half of 2013. “We are looking into the possibility of seeking exemption from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) at the regional level to fast track the construction of some classrooms in time for the opening of classes in June.”

Singson expressed his enthusiasm especially now that DPWH has become a part of such noble cause. “We are happy that PAGCOR is contributing to this school building program of the government. Ang sabi ko nga kay Chairman Naguiat, talagang pag tama ang gamit ng pera maraming aabutin. Kapareho nito, this is a big contribution. I’m sure we can do more in the future.”

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