The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) marked the opening of its 50th socio-civic center on October 28 in a lakeside town near Taal Volcano, underscoring the persistent hardships faced by nearby residents.
The Php50 million facility in Barangay San Gregorio is designed to serve as both an evacuation site during disasters and as a venue for social and community activities. The two-story building boasts of multi-purpose halls, kitchens, restrooms, and other disaster-resilient amenities to ensure functionality in both emergencies and day-to-day use.
PAGCOR Assistant Vice President for Community Relations and Services Department (CRSD) Eric Balcos, who turned over the building to Laurel Mayor Lyndon Bruce, said the new structure reflects the state gaming agency’s commitment to safeguard and uplift communities vulnerable to natural calamities.
“Lahat ng mga ito ay idinisenyo para sa kaligtasan, kaginhawahan, at dignidad ng ating mga kababayan,” Balcos said, emphasizing PAGCOR’s continuing efforts to support disaster-prone areas.
Mayor Bruce for his part expressed gratitude for PAGCOR’s assistance, describing the project as a symbol of cooperation among the local government, residents, and the agency.
“Ang proyektong ito ay bunga ng malasakit at pagtutulungan ng PAGCOR, ng pamahalaang lokal, at ng mamamayan ng bayan ng Laurel,” he said. “Kapag ang puso at serbisyo ay iisa, walang unos o pagputok ng bulkan na kayang humadlang sa ating pag-unlad.”
Situated along the shore of Taal Lake, Laurel is among the most vulnerable municipalities during periods of volcanic unrest, with its residents often needing evacuation and suffering prolonged disruptions to day-to-day activities.
This week, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) urged local government units (LGUs) and residents near Taal Volcano and Mt. Kanlaon to remain vigilant amid ongoing volcanic activity. On Sunday, October 26, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recorded three minor eruptions at Taal Volcano, though officials assured the public that it remains under Alert Level 1, indicating low-level unrest.
To date, PAGCOR has completed 50 socio-civic centers nationwide, with 22 more under construction, as part of the agency’s thrust to channel gaming revenues into community projects that enhance disaster preparedness and improve the quality of life in local communities.
