PAGCOR Opens Socio-Civic Center Near Taal Volcano  

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) announced the opening of a new socio-civic center in Laurel, Batangas. The opening of this new facility comes amid the Taal Volcano’s concerning activity.

PAGCOR Opens Its 50^th Socio-Civic Center

Situated not far from the volcano, the new facility is the PAGCOR’s 50^th such center. Like others of its kind, its purpose is to protect locals in case of disaster, serving as an evacuation site. In addition to that, the two-story building will double as a venue for social and community activities.

The opening of the new facility is the PAGCOR’s answer to the continued challenges faced by the local communities. The center cost PHP 50 million ($850K) to construct and boasts all necessary amenities, including kitchens, restrooms, multi-purpose halls and other disaster-resilient functionalities. According to the PAGCOR, the venue has been designed to offer convenience in both emergency situations and day-to-day use.

The PAGCOR noted that the Laurel center is a testament to the gaming agency’s commitment to protecting the Philippine public during times of need and natural calamities. As mentioned, the center is the 50^th of its kind, with 22 more being developed as part of the PAGCOR’s commitment to leveraging gaming revenues for community projects.

Teamwork Will Prevail Against Disaster, Laurel Mayor Says

Eric Balcos, the assistant vice president of the PAGCOR’s Community Relations and Services Department (CRSD), emphasized the state agency’s commitment to using gaming money to protect and uplift communities in regions vulnerable to natural calamities. He explained that the 50 socio-civic centers have been designed for the “safety, comfort, and dignity” of the Philippine people.

Hon Lyndon M. Bruce, Mayor of the Municipality of Laurel, was very pleased with the construction of a new center and called it “the result of the care and cooperation of PAGCOR, the local government, and the people of Laurel.” The mayor added that teamwork will always prevail against disaster.

For context, the Municipality of Laurel is considered to be one of the most vulnerable regions in the Philippines due to its proximity to the Taal volcano. As a result, residents often find themselves in need of evacuation due to the disruptive nature of the region.

In other news, the PAGCOR recently reported a “sharp decline” in the overall online gambling revenue generated from the sector in August, attributing the shift to the country’s new e-wallet restrictions.