Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles on Thursday (August 1) led the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Corporate Center in Ermita, Manila.
The P2.2-billion-peso project is eyed to become the permanent home for the agency’s employees and stakeholders, while allowing a 24/7 operational capability for designated operations.
It is also expected to improve the agency’s overall products and services that it provides to Filipinos.
In his speech, Executive Secretary Bersamin said, “This groundbreaking stands not only as a testament to your vision but as a beacon of progress. And given your efforts leading to today, this will surely positively impact the quality of your service to your stakeholders, to the gaming community, to the ever-growing patrons of the PCSO and the general public.”
Meanwhile, GM Robles said that their objective was to build an infrastructure that will not only be enough to house the workforce, but also to significantly enhance their corporate image.
They also aim to strengthen their ability to fulfill their mandate of raising and providing funds for national health-related projects and charities.
Three separate major buildings will be linked to form the PCSO Corporate Center for efficient circulation, accessibility, and smooth operations.
First, the Corporate Building, a seven-story facility with a concrete roof deck that will accommodate frontline services, medical and charity departments, other satellite government offices, and additional spaces for employees’ well-being.
Second, the Gaming and Multi-Purpose Building with three floors dedicated to draw court and gaming operations, complemented by multi-purpose areas for social events.
Lastly, the Logistics and Parking Building, a five-story structure integrating multi-level parking, warehousing facilities, and printing operations to streamline logistics.
The facility meets the minimum parking space requirement of 200 parking slots.
Some key features of the Corporate Center include the provision for Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-enabled facilities and utilization of advanced engineering technology for earthquake resistance.
It also has an Integrated Facilities Management System (IFS) for efficient building operations and maintenance.
In his welcome remarks, GM Robles shared that over the years, the PCSO has moved from one city to another, either renting or sharing office spaces to house its workforce and daily operations.
“While the PCSO Offices are now housed in Mandaluyong City, it is still not home to us. As such, at the outset of my tenure, I was with you in dreaming for a permanent place to call our very own,” he said.
“[The] PCSO Corporate Center will rise as a symbol of the dedication of PCSO officials and employees who dared to dream through the years,” GM Robles added.
He continued: “Allow me to recognize all of you for this vision, which now will become our legacy to our stakeholders, to our gaming patrons, to the public and to all Filipinos.”
The project is expected to be completed by October 2026.
Other officials who were present during the groundbreaking of the new Corporate Center include PCSO Chairman ret. Judge Felix Reyes, Directors Imelda Papin, Jennifer Liongson-Guevara, and Janet de Leon-Mercado, as well as representatives from project constructor Unimasters Conglomeration Inc./Monocrete Construction Philippines, Inc. and Finance Undersecretary Rolando Tungpalan from the DOF Corporate Affairs and Strategic Infrastructure Group.
PCSO, Hindi Umuurong sa Pagtulong!
