Starting January 2024, the Province of Iloilo will now be receiving P1 million monthly from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) under its Host Cities’ Share (HCS) program which provides support to cities and provinces that host a Casino Filipino branch.
In a letter to Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., PAGCOR Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Alejandro H. Tengco informed the governor of the resolution adopted by the PAGCOR Board of Directors on Dec. 13, 2023, and ultimately approved by Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Feb. 27, 2024 which rationalizes the distribution of HCS and extends the scope of the HCS program from 14 LGUs to 43 recipients, including the province of Iloilo. The rationalization encompasses beyond the Casino Filipino main branches.
The Province of Iloilo was previously not a recipient of the HCS program as it is not a host to a Casino Filipino branch.
“As a result of this modification, we are pleased to inform you that effective January 2024, the Province of Iloilo will now receive a monthly allocation of One Million Pesos for hosting CG branches in your locality, to be remitted directly to your Provincial Treasurer,” Tengco said.
On April 12, CF Filipino Bacolod Branch Manager Victor de Leon turned over a check worth P2 million to Governor Defensor covering the months of January and February 2024. He was accompanied by officers from CF Bacolod and Iloilo branches namely Senior Branch Admin Manager Admin Manager Marlon Birondo, Senior Branch Legal Officer Atty. Teddy Velasco, Pit Manager Rex Nicoyco, Sr., Assistant Marketing Officer Edwin Solmantil, and Admin Assistant Ma. Christina Jaleco.
Atty. Velasco said the rationalization of the HCS program is an initiative of Tengco.
“This allocation signifies our gratitude for the enduring partnership between PAGCOR and your province. We firmly believe that it will serve as a crucial resource for enhancing various community development initiatives and projects, with the primary goal of improving the quality of life of your constituents,” Tengco added.
Governor Defensor thanked PACGOR for Iloilo’s inclusion in the HCS program.
The fund will be utilized based on the guidelines on the handling and disposition of the host city’s share. Qualified projects include self-sustainable livelihood projects, scholarships, infrastructure projects, sports programs, peace and order initiatives, and social projects, among others.
(Capitol News)
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