A group of veteran journalists once again recognized exemplary individuals and government leaders who have made a significant mark in society during the 27th Bulong Pulungan Christmas party held at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza on December 3, 2013.

President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, who has consistently graced the media group’s annual Christmas party, was accorded the “Man of Steel” award while PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Cristino L. Naguiat, Jr. was given the “Exemplar Award for Corporate Social Responsibility” for the second straight year.

Deedee Siytangco, co-founder of the Bulong Pulungan media group said they gave the President the ”Man of Steel” Award because of his admirable trait as a “focused, tough yet compassionate leader.” She specifically lauded President Aquino for his efforts in bringing hope to Filipinos affected by the recent disasters that struck Bohol, Tacloban, Samar, Leyte and other parts of the Visayas region. The President was also recognized for his leadership that enabled the Philippines to reach its goal of having one of the most vibrant economies in Southeast Asia.

Chairman Naguiat was meanwhile recognized for his constant efforts to make PAGCOR a more relevant and socially responsible corporation. “What we saw in Chairman Naguiat is consistency. Last year, under his leadership, PAGCOR gave P1 billion for the construction of thousands of classrooms. This year, the agency gave another P2 billion. We are always complaining about children studying under the trees. I think this project will really help public school children a lot,” Siytangco said.

PAGCOR has so far completed a total of 538 classrooms in 42 sites and a total of 50 Gawad Kalinga (GK) Sibol Kindergarten classrooms nationwide. The agency partnered with the Department of Education (DepEd) and GK Foundation for the first phase of the project. In April 2013, the state-owned gaming firm tapped the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to carry out the construction of roughly 2,000 more classrooms nationwide through the additional P2 billion funding for the school building project.

Siytangco also lauded Naguiat for PAGCOR’s effort to make good use of old slot machine stands by recycling them into school desks. “The past administration was not able to do that. Imagine all the school desks that could have been manufactured from those junk materials. It was very creative and very consistent.”

Under the leadership of the PAGCOR chief, the state-owned gaming firm has so far manufactured over 1,000 two- and three-seater school desks made out of old slot machine stands. These desks have been donated to 19 public elementary schools and day care centers in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

According to Siytangco, Naguiat is trying his best to go by the tuwid na daan principle. “We salute him for that. There is so much power in PAGCOR but there is also so much integrity and compassion,” she added.

Meanwhile, Naguiat expressed his gratitude to the Bulong Pulungan media group for recognizing PAGCOR’s efforts in implementing high-impact projects that benefit all sectors of the society, especially the marginalized ones.

“PAGCOR is continuously doing its best not only to help generate revenues for the national government but also to empower and inspire Filipinos to rise above all challenges, regardless how difficult they may be. There is always a promise of a better future so we should all do our share in helping alleviate the plight of those in dire need. This is the reason why PAGCOR designed its programs in such manner, to have long-term impact to society,” Naguiat explained.

Apart from PAGCOR’s support to education, the Bulong Pulungan media group also cited the agency’s relief efforts for the survivors of super typhoon Yolanda. The state-owned gaming firm recently conducted a joint relief operation with Solaire Resort and Casino and Resorts World Manila which benefited thousands of affected families in the Visayas.

Apart from President Aquino and Chairman Naguiat, Bulong Pulungan also accorded Exemplar Awards to Gawad Kalinga (GK) Founder Antonio Meloto; GK volunteer Dr. Jerome Rodriguez-Paler (who actively helped in GK’s relief efforts for Yolanda survivors); Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Kim Henares; Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Mario Montejo; Justice Secretary Leila de Lima; Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) President and General Manager Robert Vergara; Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales and Commission on Audit Chairperson Grace Pulido-Tan.

Go back