PAGCOR to fund key Philippine Military Academy facility upgrades

February 17, 2025

PAGCOR to fund key Philippine Military Academy facility upgrades

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has pledged financial support for constructing and upgrading key facilities at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA). PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco announced during the PMA Alumni Homecoming on Saturday where he was the guest of honour.

Tengco said that among the projects that will receive funding are a new Candidate Control Liaison Office, a modern warfare laboratory, additional facilities for the PMA Sports Complex, and patient transport vehicles.

Renovation of the Candidate Control Liaison Office

The Candidate Control Liaison Office, located at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Medical Center compound in Quezon City, serves as the site where successful PMA applicants undergo a complete physical examination before entering the academy in Baguio.

“We were informed that this office is now in a serious state of deterioration and is in dire need of renovation,” Tengco said. “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.”

Enhancing training and sports facilities

PAGCOR will also finance the construction of a new warfare laboratory designed to integrate modern combat strategies and advanced technologies into the academy’s curriculum. This addition aligns with PMA’s plans to incorporate electronic warfare, cyber warfare, and artificial intelligence (AI) into its training programmes.

Further improvements to the PMA Sports Complex will be made, including a martial arts studio and an Olympic-size heated swimming pool. These facilities aim to enhance cadet training and physical fitness.

Although the funding details are still being finalised, Tengco reassured the PMA community of PAGCOR’s dedication to providing high-quality facilities for cadets.

“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. “With grateful hearts, we will ensure that your sacrifices are never taken for granted and that you can always count on our cooperation and support.”

Strengthening the PAGCOR-PMA partnership

PMA Superintendent Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia welcomed PAGCOR’s continued support, emphasising the academy’s strong partnership with the state gaming agency.

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

Vice Admiral Valencia also noted that PMA is developing a new curriculum focused 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.

PAGCOR’s support for the PMA

PAGCOR has previously funded major projects for the PMA and the broader AFP community. In 2012, the agency provided a PHP105 million (€1.7 million) grant to rehabilitate the PMA Sports Complex. Between 2016 and 2019, PAGCOR’s licensees, Solaire Resort & Casino and Newport World Resorts, donated PHP600 million (€9.9 million) to construct and improve cadet barracks. In 2019, Solaire’s Bloomberry Cultural Foundation contributed an additional PHP80 million (€1.3 million) to repair PMA cadet barracks that had begun to deteriorate.

Beyond the PMA, PAGCOR has also funded key AFP projects, including the construction of the Veterans Memorial Medical Center Magiting Veterans Wing, a PHP53.22-million (€875,681) watchers’ dormitory at V. Luna Medical Center, and a multi-purpose office building for the PMA Alumni Association.