Maraming, maraming salamat sa ating butihing Chairman at saka CEO ng PAGCOR, ang Chairman Al Tengco. [Please take your seats.]

Kasama rin natin ang ating Speaker, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Speaker Martin Romualdez; Lone District Representative Tony Calixto; siyempre ang ating laging kasama at sumusundo sa atin, our good Mayor, Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano; of course, my introductions would not be complete without introducing our beloved First Lady, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos; sa lahat ng mga opisyal at saka staff ng PAGCOR na nai-represent dito ngayong gabi; fellow workers in government; distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

Today, we gather to celebrate still another momentous occasion—the 40th Anniversary of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, or PAGCOR.

Since its inception, the men and women of PAGCOR have carried a profound sense of responsibility in the performance of their duties.

Entrusted with upholding the highest standards within the gaming industry, you went beyond fulfilling your corporate tasks and played an active part in nation-building.

We all know that PAGCOR stands as a pillar of our nation's tourism industry: The attractions and ventures that you have taken under your care have drawn visitors from far and wide, generating jobs and opportunities for our people.

But the significance of PAGCOR as an institution was never confined to the realm of gaming, entertainment, and tourism alone.

You have also shown your unwavering dedication to our nation’s athletes, our nation’s coaches through various programs in the preparations for future competitions.

With your help and support, you have empowered them to showcase not only unique talents and skills, but also the unyielding Filipino spirit, which carried the entire nation aloft in the global stage.

In the grand tapestry that is PAGCOR’s impact to our society, we see the many strong and bright threads that it has sewn into the fabric of our country and of our nation.

There are the school building projects, the feeding activities, [and] various programs in the educational sector. You have significantly contributed in nurturing the minds of our young Filipinos, fostering a generation inspired by endless possibilities.

Your benevolent reach also extends to our localities in need in the form of community wellness centers, creating sanctuaries of healing and of hope.

You have also redefined the nature of public service through the establishment of socio-civic centers that serve as gateways to government services.

Within these hubs, the marginalized are heard and the disheartened are given solace, providing a new place and meaning to public service.

You are among those who brought help the most, sowing seeds of hope and recovery amidst the darkest of hours.

Certainly, PAGCOR has made an indelible mark in our society with its undeniable contribution to nation-building.

I also know there are still many more chapters of its legacy that are yet to be written and are to be accomplished.

With the enormous resources that you have at your disposal and the capacity of your people for genuine service and greatness, I am certain that PAGCOR’s brightest years are still ahead.

Let this anniversary therefore be a call to the future—a future where PAGCOR is at the front and center in reshaping the gaming landscape with responsible practices, unwavering integrity, and a steadfast commitment to combating illicit activities.

As your fellow worker in government, I am aware of PAGCOR’s efforts in making this organization a working, thriving, and successful institution.

Therefore, it is my hope that this anniversary will inspire you to continue setting new standards and keep being at the forefront of an industry that is not only financially successful, but also socially impactful  and, most importantly, socially relevant.

May you remain a shining example of what it means to be workers at PAGCOR—individuals who stand firm in their dedication to service, excellence, and integrity, [and] who are determined to leave their mark not only in the gaming industry, but in our society as a whole.

Thank you, and may this anniversary be a catalyst for even greater achievements in the years ahead.

Maligayang anibersaryo sa buong PAGCOR at mabuhay kayong lahat! Maraming salamat po at magandang tanghali. [applause]

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Watch here: 40th Anniversary of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation

Location: Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay City