PAGCOR grants $5.24 million to PNPA for modern training and facility upgrades
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has pledged ₱300 million ($5.24 million) to upgrade facilities and enhance training resources at the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA). The commitment was announced by PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco on March 14 during the 45th PNPA Alumni Homecoming at Camp Gen. Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite.
“While PAGCOR’s primary role is to regulate the gaming industry, we also have a responsibility to support institutions like the PNPA and the national police,” Tengco said. “The law enforcement community has always been our top priority.”
Boosting training and facilities
A significant portion of PAGCOR’s funding will be used to construct a PNPA Alumni Association building. The facility will serve as an administrative office and a dormitory for visiting alums.
To enhance cadet training, PAGCOR will upgrade PNPA’s Crime Scene Plaza, a specialised forensic training area designed to improve investigative skills. The state gaming firm is also financing the purchase of firearms training simulators that will refine cadets’ marksmanship and decision-making in high-pressure scenarios.
High-tech policing tools
PAGCOR’s financial support extends to advanced crime analysis tools. The grant will fund the acquisition of crime mapping and predictive policing software, enabling cadets to gain expertise in crime analysis, visualisation, and prevention. The PNPA will also receive resources to strengthen cybercrime investigation training.
A patient transport vehicle—equipped with a GPS system, ambulance stretcher, medical oxygen, wheelchair, and a first aid kit—will be delivered to the academy next week to support medical emergencies on campus.
“Technology is now a crucial aspect of law enforcement, and our cadets must have access to modern facilities and training innovations that will allow them to combat crime more effectively,” Tengco added.
Additional support for PNPA alumni
Aside from the ₱300 million grant, PAGCOR also turned over a ₱2.2 million cheque to the PNPA Alumni Association Inc. (PNPAAAI) to purchase a new service vehicle. Additionally, 100 tablets were donated to aid cadets’ learning and alum members’ continuing education.
Casino foundations’ contributions to PNP
Tengco highlighted that licensed casino foundations have contributed nearly ₱700 million to PNP-related projects since 2017.
- Newport World Resorts Foundation provided ₱600 million, including a ₱500 million grant for a 100-bed PNP NCRPO Medical Center in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig.
- Bloomberry Cultural Foundation donated ₱40 million, including eight patrol vehicles for the PNP Southern Police District.
- Melco Resorts Philippines Foundation contributed ₱21 million for various PNP programs.
- Okada Foundation granted ₱50 million for communications and medical equipment.
PNPA officials express gratitude
Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz, Executive Director of the Presidential Anti-Organised Crime Commission and PNPAAAI Chairman thanked PAGCOR for its support.
“The PNPA is situated outside Metro Manila and the city centres, so to attract the best professors and provide world-class training to our cadets, we need funding to provide better accommodations and state-of-the-art training facilities,” Cruz said.
