PMA secures P379.48-M funding for modern warfare lab

The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) has secured a P379.48 million funding for a Modern Warfare Laboratory from the Bloomberry Cultural Foundation Inc. (BCFI), the corporate social responsibility arm of Solaire Resort operator Bloomberry Resorts Corp.

In a news release on Saturday, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) said BCFI’s funding to PMA forms part of the state-run firm’s support for military modernization.

PAGCOR said BCFI’s funding includes the demolition of the old PMA Station Hospital and the construction of a two-story warfare laboratory to equip cadets with emerging defense technologies, contemporary military concepts, and operational decision-making in today’s security environment.

Demolition of the old hospital is expected to begin in the coming weeks, with the warfare lab targeted for completion in the fourth quarter of 2027, it said.

PAGCOR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Alejandro Tengco, who witnessed the signing ceremony for the Memorandum of Agreement between the PMA and BCFI, said the state gaming agency fully supports initiatives that strengthen the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The support is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to help address the military's requirements.

"Kung mayroon pong tagubilin ang Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sa akin bilang Chairman at CEO ng PAGCOR, ito po ay ang tumulong sa pangangailangan ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas. Kaya naman patuloy po nating susuportahan ang iba't ibang programa na magpapalakas sa ating Armed Forces,” said Tengco.

(If President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has any directive for me as Chairman and CEO of PAGCOR, it is to assist in meeting the needs of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. That is why we will continue to support various programs that strengthen our Armed Forces.)

Tengco also thanked the BCFI, led by its president Donato Almeda and chairman Enrique Razon Jr., for its continued support for the Armed Forces, including the PMA.

"Nandito kami para i-commit sa inyo na we will continue to help the Academy in the smallest way we can,” said Almeda.

(We commit that we will continue to help the Academy in the smallest way we can.)

The Modern Warfare Laboratory is one of the numerous projects of the BCFI for the PMA and the military community.

Under PAGCOR’s regulatory policy, integrated resort licensees are required to establish a foundation and allocate a portion of their revenues to programs that support cultural heritage, education, healthcare, sports development and other nation-building initiatives. —VAL, GMA News