Pagcor Allocates P60 Million for Scholarships to 2,000 Bulacan Students

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 2,000 students from low-income families in Bulacan province will benefit from a P60-million scholarship fund from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor), which released an initial P10-million grant to the provincial government on Monday. During the turnover of the first P10 million at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium, Pagcor chair and chief executive officer Alejandro Tengco said the initiative helps ensure that revenues from regulated gaming industry will translate to programs that directly benefit Filipinos. “By turning over the first tranche of funding today, we are not only providing assistance to the education sector. We are also investing in the capabilities, dreams, and potential of our youth, who will become our partners in building a more progressive Bulacan and a stronger Philippines,” he said. The fund will support the Ayudang Hatid ay Tagumpay (AHT) Scholarship Program which aims to expand access to higher education and technical-vocational training for deserving students. Of the P60-million allocation, P40 million will fund scholarships for 1,000 incoming college freshmen enrolled in four-year degree programs, while the remaining P20 million will support 1,000 students pursuing technical-vocational education. Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando welcomed the assistance and said it would enable more students to pursue their studies despite 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,” he said. The scholarship program forms part of the Bawat Buhay Mahalaga caravan, which brings government services and assistance closer to local communities, including initiatives that promote greater access to education. Tengco said Pagcor will also fund the construction of 10 three-story school buildings in Bulacan, and the establishment of the Bulacan Sports Academy for aspiring young athletes.