PAGCOR To Finance Upgrade Of Key PMA Facilities

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco has pledged financial support for the construction and upgrade of key facilities at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).

PMA Superintendent Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia leads the arrival honors for PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco (2nd from left) during the PMA Alumni Homecoming ceremony today, February 15. I Photos: PAGCOR

Speaking as the guest of honor at this year’s PMA Alumni Homecoming ceremony, Mr. Tengco committed funding for several projects, including 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 compound in Quezon City, serves as the facility where successful PMA applicants undergo a complete physical examination before entering the academy in Baguio City.

"We were informed that this office is now in a serious state of deterioration and is in dire need of renovation," Mr. Tengco stated.

"So today, we are affirming our commitment to help fund the construction of the new PMA Candidate Control Liaison Office, even if the PMA management has not yet formally requested it."

Additionally, Mr. Tengco pledged funding for a state-of-the-art warfare laboratory to integrate modern combat strategies and cutting-edge technologies into the academy’s curriculum.

As part of the PMA Sports Complex enhancement, he also promised to finance the construction of a martial arts studio and an Olympic-size heated swimming pool to improve cadets' physical training.

Although the exact funding details are yet to be finalized, Mr. Tengco assured the PMA community that PAGCOR remains committed to providing future cadets with world-class facilities that foster both learning and skills 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," he said.

PMA Superintendent Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia welcomed PAGCOR’s support, stating that the grants would significantly benefit the academy.

"We are ecstatic that PMA will be continuing its collaboration with PAGCOR," he said. "As Chairman Tengco mentioned, PMA and PAGCOR share a strong history of collaboration, and we are happy to continue that partnership."

Vice Admiral Valencia also emphasized that PMA is preparing to launch a new curriculum next year, focusing on electronic warfare, cyber warfare, and artificial intelligence. "For us to do that, we need a bigger venue where cadets can test theories they learn in class," he added.

Mr. Tengco also highlighted PAGCOR’s longstanding support for the PMA and the broader AFP community.

Some of PAGCOR’s notable contributions include:

• A ₱105-million grant in 2012 for the rehabilitation of the PMA Sports Complex

• ₱600 million in donations from Solaire Resort & Casino and Newport World Resorts for the construction and improvement of cadet barracks (2016-2019)

• An ₱80-million donation from Bloomberry Cultural Foundation in 2019 for the repair of PMA cadet barracks

• Funding for the Veterans Memorial Medical Center Magiting Veterans Wing

• ₱53.22 million for the watchers’ dormitory at V. Luna Medical Center

• Construction of the Multi-Purpose Office Building for the PMA Alumni Association

With these initiatives, PAGCOR reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the capabilities of the Philippine Military Academy and ensuring the well-being of its cadets and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.