By: Mark Lester F. Tejada & Justin B. Santos / Photos by: Arnold T. Ramos & Edwin P. Lovino
Mandaluyong City – The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) on January 30, 2023, released mandatory contributions and financial support for a total amount of ₱96,922,492.39, to various government institutions at the 4th Floor, PCSO Main Office in Mandaluyong City.
PCSO General Manager Melquiades A. Robles, assisted by Charity Assistance Department Manager Atty. Marissa O. Medrano and Treasury Department OIC-Division Chief Christine D. Viernesto, personally handed the check amounting to ₱63,623,000.00 to Philippine Air Force (PAF) represented by Col. Maria Socorro E. Posadas MC, for the procurement of medical equipment for several medical institutions.
The financial assistance granted to PAF was authorized by PCSO under Board Resolution No. 0453, s2019, for the purchase of X-Ray equipment for various PAF facilities namely: BGen. Benito N. Ebuen Air Base Hospital in Cebu City, the Wallace Air Base Station Medical Infirmary in La Union, the Edwin Andrews Air Base Hospital in Zamboanga City, and the Major Danilo A. Atienza Air Base Hospital in Cavite.
In addition, the PCSO released mandatory contributions amounting to ₱33,163,121.30 to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) represented by Dr. Rogelio T. Galera, Director IV for Administrative, Financial & Management Service (AFMS) and ₱136,371.09 to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) represented by Commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo.
Dr. Galera of CHED expressed his gratitude to the PCSO and said, “Kami po ay nagpapasalamat sa PCSO. Makakaasa po kayo na ang pondong nakalaan para sa Commission on Higher Education, particularly sa Higher Education Development Fund, ay magagamit po sa pagpapalakas ng mas mataas na edukasyon nang sa gayon ay magkaroon ng pagkakataon na mapasama sa quality and relevant higher education ang mga estudyante at iba’t-ibang Higher Education Institutions.”
PSC Commissioner Bong Coo also acknowledged PCSO’s invaluable contribution to PSC. According to her, this contribution from PCSO would be of significant support to the nation’s athletes in their preparation for the upcoming Southeast Asian Games, which will be hosted by Cambodia in May 2023.
The aforementioned institutions were grateful of the Agency’s unwavering support and role as the government’s charitable arm.
The PCSO is mandated by Republic Act No. 7722 to provide the Commission on Higher Education with a contribution equivalent to one percent (1%) of the gross sales of the lotto operation. In addition, thirty percent (30%) of the charity fund from the proceeds of six (6) Sweepstakes draw of lottery per annum is allocated to the Philippine Sports Commission, pursuant to Republic Act No. 6847.
“PCSO: Hindi Umuurong sa Pagtulong”