WITH controversies hounding some former top officials of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) that were unraveling amid the ongoing Congressional probe, it’s refreshing to note that its current leadership under General Manager Melquiades Robles is all about integrity, dedication, and a genuine commitment to public service.
In fact, Robles has not only steered the PCSO towards greater efficiency and transparency but has also inspired his fellow officials and employees to work harder to attain their mandate as the government’s primary charity arm.
To recall, Robles was appointed at a time when the PCSO was facing numerous challenges.
His appointment came with high expectations, as the agency is crucial for funding healthcare initiatives, supporting social services, and providing aid to those in need.
Robles understood that to meet these expectations, he would need to inject fresh perspective and a strong, strategic vision to the office.
From day one, Robles emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability.
He recognized that the PCSO operates in a public trust environment and that its operations must reflect the highest ethical standards.
Under his leadership, the agency has implemented measures to enhance oversight, ensuring that funds generated from lottery games and other activities are channeled effectively to their intended social programs.
One of his most significant achievements is regaining public trust for the PCSO, which translated to more people placing their bets on their games, which means more revenue for their various charity projects.
Also, because of Robles’ active involvement in various charitable initiatives such as Lab for All, he has succeeded in enhancing the agency’s profile as a reliable and dedicated partner of the poor, marginalized and the underserved.
Always on the lookout for ways on how to better serve the public, Robles also recognized the need for modernization, prompting him to embrace the use of modern technology not only for efficiency, but also to reach a wider audience.
Initiatives such as online lottery ticket sales and mobile applications have made it easier for people to participate in PCSO games, ultimately increasing revenue that can be allocated to social programs.
Robles’ focus on innovation extends beyond just technology. He has been instrumental in revising operational processes to streamline workflows and reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks.
By encouraging a culture of continuous improvement, he ensures that the PCSO remains responsive to the needs of the public while maximizing its resources.
Another key aspect of Robles’ leadership is his ability to build and strengthen partnerships with various stakeholders.
He has actively sought collaborations with national agencies, and local government units, non-governmental organizations, and private sector entities to amplify the impact of PCSO’s initiatives.
These collaborations have not only expanded the reach of the agency’s programs but also fostered a sense of community involvement and ownership.
In a sector often criticized for adverse social impacts, Robles has consistently taken a firm stance on promoting responsible gaming.
He fully understands that while the PCSO’s primary function is to generate revenue through gaming, it is equally important to protect the welfare of the betting public.
Under his leadership, the agency has launched awareness campaigns aimed at educating the public about responsible gaming practices.
Because of his various reforms and initiatives at the PCSO, Robles has recently been elected as one of the members of the Executive Committee of the Asia Pacific Lottery Association.
His being named to the governing body is first for any Filipino, which was a testament and recognition of his achievements and reforms at the PCSO.
APLA is a membership body for lottery operators and suppliers in the region, and was formally established at the World Lottery Association Conference in Glasgow, Scotland in 2000.
Robles expressed gratitude to his fellow delegates who have placed their trust on him by voting him to the executive committee.
He noted his being named to the position meant that his fellow gaming leaders recognize and appreciate the initiatives that they have been implementing at PCSO.
“These reforms have resulted in more revenues for the agency, which we translated into more charity programs for the people, especially the poor,” he added.
With all his achievements, we know that PCSO is in better hands now unlike before when it was allegedly turned into a virtual cash machine by its previous leaders.
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