As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the country, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation responded to the call of the Philippine National Police in augmenting their pandemic response for PNP personnel who contracted the virus.
On April 26, 2021, PAGCOR formally turned over its P2.5 million grant to the PNP for the procurement of medical supplies to be used in PNP’s hospitals and health facilities, where over 1,300 infected PNP personnel are undergoing treatment.
The turnover of PAGCOR’s donation coincided with the unveiling of PNP’s newest all-recycled-metal statue of the first Filipino hero Lapu-Lapu within the PNP headquarters.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Andrea Domingo, who led the turn-over of the agency’s grant, said that the funding will specifically help sustain the operations of PNP’s quarantine and health facilities in Bicutan, Kiangan Hall in Camp Crame, and in different police district isolation facilities.
“We will always support the law enforcement agencies. This is our own little way of showing our gratitude and recognizing your sacrifices for the country,” she said.
To date, PNP has already lost a total of 36 personnel – including three senior officers and a pregnant officer – to COVID-19, while responding to the call of duty.
Domingo added that despite criticisms, PNP chose to move forward.
“Having observed the PNP in the last months, I believe that the determination, strength, will, and complete understanding of General Sinas on what a chief PNP should do, pushed the PNP to continuously move forward. I think, one has to have clear thinking, a strong heart, and a strong mind to go forward despite all criticisms,” she said.
The PAGCOR chief added that aside from the cash grant, a modern medical center for police officers and their families will soon rise at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City after PAGCOR tapped its licensee’s foundation – the Resorts World Philippines Cultural Heritage Foundation – to allocate P500 million for the construction of what will be called the National Capital Region Police Office Medical Center. The hospital project’s groundbreaking took place on January 22, 2021.
Meanwhile, PNP Chief Debold Sinas thanked PAGCOR for its untiring support to the PNP.