MANILA — Northern Samar 2nd District Rep. Edwin Ongchuan has called on the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to extend incentives and support not only to national athletes but also to local and regional competitors.
Ongchuan made the appeal during the congressional hearing on PAGCOR’s 2026 budget on Aug. 20, highlighting the need to strengthen grassroots sports development.
“While this system ensures national representation is prioritized, I underscored the need for more inclusive support that reaches athletes in the regions. Developing local talent requires tangible investment and recognition from national institutions,” Ongchuan said in a statement.
PAGCOR currently provides incentives primarily to athletes competing in international and national events through coordination with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
The lawmaker proposed expanding assistance, citing PAGCOR’s strong financial performance. The agency recorded an income of PHP111 billion in 2024 and is on track to surpass its PHP116.65 billion target in 2025.
“With such robust revenue, I inquired whether PAGCOR’s resources could be mobilized to empower athletes beyond the national level,” he added.
Ongchuan also urged PAGCOR to integrate regional athletes into its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, which currently focus on sports, health initiatives, disaster relief, education, and community development.