PCSO HOLDS 2ND CHARITY SUMMIT

(by: Roselle S. Dela Umbria/ Photos by: Arnold Ramos)

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) spearheaded by the Charity Sector in coordination with the Corporate Planning Department and Branch Operations Sector through the Northern and Central Luzon Department and Pampanga Branch Office, holds a charity conference held on April 28-29, 2022 at Royce Hotel and Casino in Clark, Pampanga.

The conference entitled “Connecting – #LarongMayPuso: 2022 2nd Charity Summit”, aims to strengthen the partnership of all the stakeholders and to discuss plans, initiatives, or programs that will improve the implementation of the charity efforts of PCSO. It was attended by the external participants consisting of the Agency’s partners and stakeholders in its charity programs and lined government agencies, and the internal participants comprising of some Branch Managers/ Heads nationwide.

On April 28, 2022, the event started with the arrival and registration of participants. It was followed by a short program wherein DSWD Secretary Rolando Joselito D. Bautista represented Senator Christopher “Bong” Go as the guest of honor. The welcome remarks was done by Assistant General Manager for Charity Sector Ms. Julieta F, Aseo. It was followed with the introduction of the guest of honor by Dr. Alex Castillo, Executive Assistant of PCSO Chairman Anselmo Simeon P. Pinili. Sec. Bautista read the message of Sen. Bong Go read by.

After the short program, the summit proper followed. The presenters were Charity Assistance Department Manager Atty. Marissa O. Medrano, Assistant General Manager for Branch Operations Sector Atty. Lauro A. Patiag, Assistant General Manager for Charity Sector Ms. Julieta F. Aseo, Medical Services Department Manager Dr. Jose Bernardo Gochoco Jr. and Legal Department OIC – Manager Atty. Rosalyn C. Cortes who discussed the Overview of the Summit Program and the programs – Medical Access Program, Calamity Assistance, Endowment Fund, Institutional Partnership (IPP), Medical Transport Vehicle (MTV) Donation and Medical Edquipment, Charity Programs of PCSO for the past 6 years, programs – Medicine Donation, Medical and Dental Mission, Outpatient Service, Malasakit Center, Universal Health Care and Mandatory Contributions, and Legal Implications and Compliance Issues. Also, a video message of PGH Director Dr. Gap Legapi was shown.

An Open Forum with the panelists Vice Chairperson and General Manager Royina Marzan Garma who represented the PCSO Board of Directors, DILG Usec. Bernardo C. Florece Jr., COA Supervising Auditor Ethel H. Cervacio and AGM for Charity Sector Ms. Julieta F. Aseo took place after the presentation of each topic.

Before the end of day 1 of the summit, checks for Mandatory Contribution, STL Shares and Financial Assistance with a total amount of Php12Million were turned over to partner agencies/beneficiaries namely the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Philippine Sports Commission (PSA), Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Philippine National Police (PNP) and St. Maria de Mattias Inc. The turnover was led by Vice Chairperson and General Manager Royina Marzan Garma with DILG Usec. Bernardo C. Florece Jr. and were assisted by AGMs Atty. Lauro A. Patiag of the Branch Operations Sector (BOS), Ms. Julieta F. Aseo of the Charity Sector and Dr. Larry R. Cedro of the Gaming, Product Development and Marketing Sector. A short message was given by GM Garma after the turnover of checks saying, “It is a manifestation that PCSO is not just helping thru Medical Access Program but also aiding key agencies in the country. I encourage the gaming public to continue supporting the Larong May Puso ng PCSO with that we can be in service of our fellow countrymen.”

On the 2nd day, April 29, 2022, the summit started with a recap done by the facilitators, followed by a workshop by the participants with the assistance of the facilitators. Issues and concerns were raised by the external participants and later on discussed with the internal participants and the COA personnel who were also there to contribute inputs based on their findings.

The last part and the highlight of the event was the signing in the pledge of commitment and the singing by the participants of the song Heal the World by Michael Jackson.