Fully funded by Newport World Resorts Foundation, project underscores gaming sector’s national development role
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has officially launched the second phase of the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association Inc. (PMAAAI) Centre for Leadership Excellence—a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening the leadership capacities of the nation’s military elite.
Unveiled during a ceremony on 10 June at Fort Andres Bonifacio in Taguig City, the six-storey facility is a PHP 600 million (US$10.2 million) project funded entirely by the Newport World Resorts Foundation. The foundation is the social responsibility arm of a PAGCOR-licensed integrated resort operator, showcasing how the regulated gaming industry is contributing to national development without burdening the public budget.
Public-Private Partnership for Strategic Impact
The PMAAAI Centre is envisioned as a permanent hub for leadership development, strategic forums, and institutional training for members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The first phase of construction saw PHP 300 million allocated for structural work, while the current second phase involves an equal investment for interior fit-out and functional completion. Once finalized, the centre will also become the official headquarters of the PMAAAI.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco praised the project as a “solid proof” of what public-private collaboration can achieve when guided by a shared sense of nation-building. “This centre will institutionalise core leadership values and help the AFP adapt to new strategic challenges,” Tengco said.
No Public Funds, All Public Value
Notably, the project is being implemented without tapping into government coffers—an example of how gaming revenue, when responsibly channeled, can directly support national priorities. Tengco emphasized that regulated gaming operators play a crucial role in supporting institutions like the military through corporate social responsibility.
“This initiative exemplifies how the gaming industry can give back—not just in taxes, but through tangible investments in our nation’s future leaders,” he added.
Ongoing Support for Military Infrastructure
Beyond this centre, PAGCOR has reaffirmed its commitment to broader defence support. In recent years, the agency has backed the Philippine Military Academy with modern infrastructure, including a warfare laboratory, updated athletic facilities, and medical transport units.
As construction progresses, the PMAAAI Centre for Leadership Excellence is being positioned as more than a building—it’s a symbol of alignment between public service and private enterprise, rooted in the values of patriotism, preparedness, and progress.
