Mon | January 22, 2018 | 2:30 PM

The local gaming industry’s commitment to participate in the government’s nation-building efforts was further intensified when the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR)’s licensed casinos within the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga vowed to put up Cultural Heritage Foundations.

Widus International Leisure, Inc. President and CEO Daesik Han (right) shows to the PAGCOR executives the scale model of the proposed expansion of Widus Hotel and Casino in Clark, Pampanga.

Atty. Victoria Martinez, Treasurer of Royce Hotel and Casino (4th from left) shakes hand with PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Andrea Domingo after the signing of the addendum to the Provisional Licenses that require licensed casinos in Clark to incorporate and register a foundation for the restoration of cultural heritage. The licensees must allocate 2% of total gaming revenue generated from non-junket tables to fund their foundations.

Said foundations will fund various socio-civic programs related to cultural heritage restoration, education, infrastructure, health and environmental preservation.

This requirement was formalized when PAGCOR, together with the representatives of Midori Clark Hotel and Casino, Widus Hotel and Casino, and Royce Hotel and Casino signed the Addendum to the Provisional Licenses requiring these three licensed casinos to incorporate and register a foundation for the restoration of cultural heritage.

As stated, the casino licensees must set aside on a monthly basis two percent of total gross gaming revenue generated from non-junket tables to fund said foundations.

Foundation funds will be used for the protection, conservation and restoration of cultural heritage sites in the Philippines; construction or improvement of education infrastructure; rehabilitation of national tributaries and other water ways in Metro Manila and; provision of quality healthcare services, infrastructure and medical assistance to underprivileged individuals.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Andrea D. Domingo acknowledged the significant contribution of casino licensees not only in fueling the Philippine economy and tourism industry but also in implementing life-changing socio-civic projects to improve the plight of less fortunate Filipinos.

“Our licensed casinos in the Entertainment City have implemented substantial projects like construction of school buildings, computer laboratories, drug rehabilitation centers, a hospital and military barracks, as well as relief operations for Yolanda victims. We are delighted that with this development, help can be extended to more citizens in need, establish additional education and health facilities and enrich Filipino heritage to a wider scale. Along with our licensed casinos, we can continue to work together to contribute to nation-building,” Domingo cited.

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