Marcos lauds PAGCOR on 40th year

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has praised the Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation for the big role it plays in nation-building as the agency marked its 40th anniversary Tuesday evening.

“Since its inception, the men and women of PAGCOR have carried a profound sense of responsibility in the performance of their duties and are trusted with upholding the highest standards within the gaming industry. You went beyond fulfilling your corporate task and played an active part in nationbuilding,” the President said.

PAGCOR chairman and CEO Alejan-

In Brief

Authorities uncover spoiled meat in Bulacan warehouse

A TEAM from the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) uncovered P35 million worth of spoiled assorted meat products in a warehouse in Meycauayan, Bulacan on July 11.

The composite team, led by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), found two improvised cold storage facilities with spoiled meat products in Meycauayan Industrial Subdivision, Barangay Pantoc, Meycauayan, Bulacan.

An inspection discovered that the stored pork and beef products already appeared spoiled and emitted foul odor.

“Since the owners or building administrator were not present during the service and implementation of the Letter of Authority (LOA), raiding team proceeded to the subdivision’s homeowners’ association to effect the substituted service thereof,” CIIS Director Verne Enciso said.

In the presence of two barangay officials, the homeowners associations’ administrative staff received the LOA on-behalf of the owner/operator of the the subject warehouse.

According to Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy, officials from the Department of Agriculture’s Inspectorate and Enforcement (DAIE) and the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) were present during the operation.Julito G. Rada

BI launches online platform for immigration services

dro Tengco, for his part, underscored the commitment of every PAGCOR employee and official to achieve financial success and create a social impact.

“Your passion is phenomenal and your commitment is beyond question.

Truly, all of you are PAGCOR’s pride,” Tengco said in his speech.

Tengco said the agency’s total Contributions to Nation Building (CNB) amounted to around P607 billion in the past four decades, while its total divi- dend remittances since 2011 stood at P64 billion.

Under the Marcos administration, Tengco said PAGCOR’s total CNB totaled to P45 billion, with the agency targeting to reach P70 billion by the end of the year.

Among the programs implemented by PAGCOR are the construction of classrooms and multi-purpose evacuation centers as well as grants of assistance or subsidies to institutions, government offices, and individuals.

The corporation also supports the funding of the programs under the Universal Health Care, the Philippines Sports Commission, and the Dangerous Drugs Board.

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has launched the BI online eServices designed to hasten immigration services.

Commissioner Norman Tansingco said that with the new platform, immigration procedures are set to become more efficient and convenient for foreign tourists.

“Our eServices allows our visitors to comply with their immigration requirements from the comfort of their own homes, hotels, or even by the beach. This would definitely aid in boosting tourism, which is one of the main thrusts of the President,” he added.

“They can now swiftly and securely complete their necessary immigration applications end-to-end online,” said Tansingco. Applicants for waiver of exclusion grounds for arriving unaccompanied minors, emigration clearance certificate, and dual citizenship under RA 9225 may now submit their applications online.