PAGCOR turns over P2B for new public school classrooms 

State-run agency Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) on Monday turned over an additional P2-billion fund to the Department of Education (DepEd) for the construction of classrooms in public schools nationwide.

The additional allocation brings PAGCOR’s total funding for its school-building program dubbed “Matuwid na Daan Sa Silid-Aralan” to P12 billion.

The turnover held at the Quezon Memorial Circle was witnessed by President Benigno Aquino III. The check was received by Education Secretary Armin Luistro, and Secretary Rogelio Singson of the Department of Public Works and Highways, also a partner of PAGCOR in the program.

“All public school students especially those living in remote communities nationwide must have access to comfortable learning facilities. Quality education is the greatest gift that we can give them,” said PAGCOR chairman and CEO Cristinio Naguiat, Jr.

Singson, for his part, expressed hope that the new classrooms will serve as an inspiration to the Filipino youth.

“This additional P2 billion will help provide more comfortable learning venues to thousands of public school students,” Singson added.

In Monday’s event, President Aquino also led the ceremonial distribution of gift packs to 50 beneficiaries of PAGCOR’s traditional “Pamaskong Handog” gift-giving project.

Some 3,100 street sweepers, members of the tricycle drivers and operators associations (TODA), senior citizens, solo parents and people with disabilities from Quezon City also benefited from the event estimated to be worth P6.43 million. —Kathrina Charmaine Alvarez/ALG, GMA News