Education has long been recognized as the ultimate equalizer. It is a transformative force that turns raw potential into progress. Yet, for many brilliant young minds, the barrier between a dream and a degree is rooted in financial challenges.
Investing in the youth is not merely an act of charity. It is a strategic anchoring of a nation’s future. It unlocks talent, ambition, and innovation required to build a stronger society. In Bulacan, a brighter future is on the horizon for thousands of students.
Through a ₱60-million scholarship fund from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), a total of 2,000 students from low-income families will receive vital financial support for their education. The provincial government officially received the initial ₱10-million grant on Monday, July 6.
This substantial funding will drive the Ayudang Hatid ay Tagumpay (AHT) Scholarship Program, an initiative designed to expand access to both higher education and technical-vocational training for deserving Bulakenyo students.
Funding Dreams and Diverse Paths
To maximize the impact of the initiative, the ₱60-million allocation has been strategically divided to support different educational career paths. Specifically, ₱40 million will fund scholarships for 1,000 incoming college freshmen enrolled in four-year degree programs. Meanwhile, the remaining ₱20 million will support another 1,000 students who are pursuing technical-vocational education.
During the turnover ceremony for the first ₱10 million at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium, PAGCOR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Alejandro H. Tengco emphasized that this initiative ensures regulated gaming revenues are transformed into programs that directly benefit the Filipino people.
Sa pag-turn over natin ng unang tranche ng pondo ngayong araw, hindi lamang tayo nagbibigay ng tulong sa sektor ng edukasyon,” Mr. Tengco said.
Namumuhunan din tayo sa kakayahan, pangarap, at potensyal ng ating mga kabataang magiging katuwang natin sa pagbuo ng mas maunlad na Bulacan at mas matatag na bansang Pilipinas.” he added.
Beyond Gaming: PAGCOR’s Nationwide Mission
In addition to funding these specific scholarships, Mr. Tengco clarified that PAGCOR’s corporate role extends far beyond regulating gaming operations and collecting government revenues.
Una, itinatag ang PAGCOR para masugpo ang ilegal na pasugalan,” he explained.
“Pangalawa, at ang pinakamahalaga, ay upang maibalik sa taumbayan ang mga kinikita ng PAGCOR sa pamamagitan ng mga programang makatutulong sa mga Pilipino at sa nation-building.”
A Community-Driven Impact
In response to the generous grant, Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando expressed his deep gratitude, noting that the assistance will empower more students to sustain their studies despite facing severe financial constraints.
We thank PAGCOR for its continued support in the education of the Bulakenyo youth. This scholarship program will help expand access to quality education and create opportunities for deserving students across the province,” Governor Fernando said.
Furthermore, this scholarship program is integrated into the broader Bawat Buhay Mahalaga Caravan, an overarching provincial movement dedicated to bringing vital government services and assistance directly to local communities.
Looking ahead, the partnership between the province and the corporation is set to expand even further. To conclude the event, Mr. Tengco announced that PAGCOR will also fund the construction of ten three-story school buildings throughout Bulacan, alongside the establishment of the Bulacan Sports Academy to nurture aspiring young athletes.
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