The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has pledged some PHP300 million ($5.23) in financial grants to the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) to improve facilities and provide advanced training resources to cadets.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco made the announcement on March 14th at the 45th PNPA Alumni Homecoming celebration.
The official noted that ““While PAGCOR’s primary role is to regulate the gaming industry, we also have a responsibility to support institutions like the PNPA and the national police […] The law enforcement community has always been our top priority.”
The PHP300 million grant also covers the construction of a PNPA Alumni Association building, to serve as an admin office and dormitory. It further supports the upgrade of the PNPA’s Crime Scene Place – which serves as a training ground for forensic and investigation procedures.
It also includes the purchase of firearms training simulators and software for crime mapping and predicting policing, as well as cybercrime investigations.
“Technology is now a crucial aspect of law enforcement, and our cadets must have access to modern facilities and training innovations that will allow them to combat crime more effectively,” indicated Tengco.
The PAGCOR Chairman further noted the contributions by licensed casino foundations, which have given nearly PHP700 million ($12.21 million) to PNP-related projects since 2017, highlighting nearly PHP600 million ($10.47 million) from Newport World Resorts Foundation, a PHP40 million ($700K) donation from Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Melco Resorts Philippines Foundation’s PHP21 million ($370K) donation and the Okada Foundation’s PHP50 million ($870K) grant.
