THE PHILIPPINE Amusement and Gaming Corporation has pledged to finance the construction and upgrade of essential facilities at the Philippine Military Academy.

PAGCOR Chair and CEO Alejandro Tengco announced the commitment during the PMA Alumni Homecoming in Baguio City on Saturday.

Although details are still being finalized, PAGCOR’s pledge includes funding for the construction of a new Candidate Control Liaison Office, a modern warfare laboratory, and additional facilities for the PMA Sports Complex.

The Candidate Control Liaison Office, located at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center compound in Quezon City, is where successful PMA applicants undergo physical exams before being admitted to the academy.

Tengco revealed that the facility is in dire need of renovation.

“We were informed that this office is now in a serious state of deterioration. So today, we are affirming our commitment to help fund the construction of the new PMA Candidate Control Liaison Office, even if the PMA management has not yet formally requested it,” Tengco said.

Additionally, PAGCOR will fund the construction of a martial arts studio and an Olympic-size heated swimming pool as part of the improvements to the PMA Sports Complex.

Tengco emphasized that these upgrades reflect PAGCOR’s commitment to supporting PMA cadets and Armed Forces personnel who risk their lives for the nation.

PMA Superintendent Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia expressed gratitude for PAGCOR’s continued support.

“We are ecstatic that PMA will be continuing its collaboration with PAGCOR,” Valencia said, highlighting the academy’s plans for a new curriculum focusing on electronic warfare, cyber warfare, and artificial intelligence. He underscored the need for larger facilities where cadets can apply classroom theories.

PAGCOR has a history of supporting PMA. Notable contributions include:

A PHP 105-million grant in 2012 for the rehabilitation of the Sports Complex

A PHP 600-million donation from licensees for cadet barracks improvements (2016-2019)

An PHP 80-million donation for barracks repairs in 2019

PAGCOR and its licensees have also funded projects such as the Veterans Memorial Medical Center Magiting Veterans Wing and the PMA Alumni Association Multi-Purpose Office Building.