Establishing Branches, Expanding Compassion and Service

EDITORIAL BOX

ADVISERS: GM Atty. Jose Ferdinand Rojas II Atty. Lauro A. Patiag

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Atty. Venus T. Buado

ASSISTANT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Agnes Salgarino-Ibera

LAYOUT & DESIGN:Roselle S. Dela Umbria Eugenio Darcy M. Geronimo WRITERS: Leila N. Valencia, Antoinette S. Escario, Roselle S. Dela Umbria, Eugenio Darcy M. Geronimo,Laura M. Jacinto, Justin B. Santos, Lowela Y. Lupisan, Archie S.J. Sopenasky Queenie Rose M. Balita PHOTOGRAPHERS: Ericson L. delos Reyes Arnold T. Ramos

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Over the years, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has sig-nificantly increased the number of branches in its nationwide network in an effort to make services more accessible to remote and underserved areas of the country. Initially, PCSO established eight branches located in the provinces of Cebu, Legaspi, Iloilo, Tacloban, Pangasinan, Cagayan de Oro, Davao and Zamboanga. The opening of the newest branch in Baler, Aurora this month brought to 53 the total number of PCSO branches nationwide. These efforts are geared toward the fulfillment of the Agency’s vision to have a timely and responsive presence in every province by 2020.

PCSO’s expansion efforts are expected to strengthen the revenue generation activities of the Agency and subsequently provide more effective means to address the increasing medical and health needs of the people. Every branch serves as a mini PCSO. Hence, all services being offered by the PCSO Head Office in Pasay City and the PCSO Satellite Office at the Lung Center of the Philippines in Quezon City are available in the branches including the claim-ing of prizes and processing of requests for medical and health care-related assistance. The branch also provides assistance to stakeholders in terms of its gaming business. It processes applications for opening of lotto outlets and serves as direct support to lotto agents in their respective areas. It is also worth mentioning that many people from the provinces benefit from the different programs of the Agency particularly to Individual Medical Assistance Pro-gram (IMAP). Social workers from the branches are equipped to handle and evaluate requests for medical assistance. Every year, a considerable number of patients are able to receive subsidies for their hospitalization expenses, medi-cines and treatments such as chemotherapy, dialysis, etc.

PCSO collaborated with Local Government Units (LGUs) in terms of alloca-tion of spaces for PCSO branch offices. The partnership resulted to LGUs’ provision of spaces in government buildings under rent-free agreements.

The active presence of PCSO in the provinces contributes to the increased awareness of the public of its products and services. PCSO looks forward to establishing a branch in each of the country’s 81 provinces. By expanding its reach, it equally fulfills its crucial role in the upliftment of the quality of life of the Filipino people. (Antoinette S. Escario)

PCSO OPENS ITS 53RD BRANCH IN BALER, AURORA by: LEILA VALENCIA/ROSELLE DELA UMBRIA

Upper photos show the main entrance of the PCSO branch office and the blessing of the new office officiated by Rev. Fr. Balthazar Ronato. Lower photo shows, the ribbon cutting led by PCSO Vice Chairman and General Manager Atty. Jose Ferdinand M. Rojas II. With her are (from L-R) PCSO Executive Assistant Gerry Rojas, PCSO Department Manager, General Services Department John Derek N. Porciuncula, Ex-Governor Ramoncita Ong, Mayor Of Baler, Nelianto Carrasco Bihasa, Governor, Province of Aurora Hon. Gerardo A. Noveras and Assis-tant General Manager for Branch Operations Remeliza M. Gabuyo.

Inauguration and Blessing. People from Baler, Aurora and its neighboring municipalities have reasons to be cheerful as the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) formally opened its 53rd branch located at the Old Hospital Building, San Luis St.., Barangay 5, Baler, Aurora on May 16, 2016. The Baler Branch Office is under the supervision of Northern and Central Luzon Department Manager, Laila Galang, and OIC-Branch Head Leopoldo Atacador. The newly opened Branch Office is now ready to cater to its clientele needs whether in charity cases or gaming activities and will carry out the same mandate and quality of service throughout the Region. The new branch office is now serving 9 Lotto outlets and two (20) Keno, Lotto Express outlets.

Aurora Province is politically subdivided into 8 municipalities, all encompassed by a lone legislative district. The 8 municipalities of the province comprise a total of 151 barangays and as of 2010 the total population is 201,233.

Vice Chairman and General Manager Atty. Jose Ferdinand M. Rojas II said the agency is opening more PCSO branches in other provinces to bring the agency’s medical and health programs and services closer to the people. (LEILA VALENCIA/ROSELLE DELA UMBRIA)

PCSO General Manager Atty. Jose Ferdinand Rojas II and Ozamiz City Mayor Reynaldo Parujinog Sr. led the ceremonial ribbon-cutting during the opening of the 45th PCSO Branch in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental. Also present are (L-R) PCSO Director Betty Nantes, Pilarcita C. Florentes, OIC-Branch Head, Ozamiz City Branch, Remeliza Gabuyo, AGM for Branch Operations, Directors Atty. Francisco Joaquin III and Atty. Mabel V. Mamba. OZAMIZ CITY WELCOMES PCSO's 45th Branch

The city government of Ozamiz in Misamis Occidental opened its doors to the 45th branch office of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) on June 22, 2015. The inauguration and blessing of the PCSO branch was attended by PCSO officials headed by Vice Chairman and General Manager Jose Ferdinand Rojas II and PCSO Directors Mabel V. Mamba, Francisco Joaquin III and Betty Nantes and other PCSO officers. Ozamiz City appealed to the PCSO Board to put up a branch office in the area so it can cater the request of the underprivileged people particularly on provision of medical assistance and medical equipment to community hospitals to better serve the patients in the locale. It took a while before the Ozamiz City government and PCSO came into realization of setting up the branch office. “Our sincere gratitude to the Ozamiz City government headed by Hon. Mayor Reynaldo "Aldong" Parojinog Sr.” for donating the property where the branch office is now situated.With the presence of PCSO in your city, you are now assured that we can now facilitate all requests with regard to medicines, equipment, health and medical assistance and likewise, the LGU will now have a share from PCSO Charity Fund " says Director Joaquin. He further quips that for PCSO to continue to uphold its mandate in giving aid to the poor and needy, the people should also help PCSO by patronizing its products.

The inauguration and blessing of the PCSO branch at the Agora Complex,

Barangay Aguada, Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental, was also attended by Misamis Occidental Governor Herminia Ramiro, the Municipal Mayors and other officials from Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon Province. The newly-opened branch will be headed by Ms. Pilarcita C. Florentes. (Laura M. Jacinto/Photos by Roselle Dela Umbria)

PCSO opens 44th Branch Office- PCSO Assistant General Manager for Branch Operations Sector, Ms. Remeliza M. Gabuyo and Northern Samar Vice-Governor, Gary M. Lavin led the ribbon cutting of the newly opened PCSO Northern Samar Branch on April 7, 2015. Witness-ing the event were (from L) Atty. Efren Sabong, Provincial Administrator, Mayor of Lao-ang, Madeline Mendoza Ong, PCSO department managers Ms. Irma Guemo (STBR) and Ms. Jose-fina Sarsonas (NCR) and William H. Medici, former PCSO Manager, Visayas-Mindanao Dept. (partly hidden). (Darcy Geronimo/Eric delos Reyes)

Inauguration and Blessing. People from Nueva Vizcaya and its neighboring municipalities have reasons to be cheerful as the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) formally opened its 48th branch located at the Ground Floor, Bayombong Municipal Hall, Nueva Viz-caya. The Nueva Vizcaya Branch Office headed by Financial Management Officer Joseph Byron B. Bumanglag, is now ready to cater to its clientele needs whether in charity cases or gaming activities and will carry out the same mandate and quality of service throughout the Region.Upper photos show the main entrance of the PCSO branch office and the blessing of the new office officiated by Rev. Fr. Edmundo Beronio. Lower photo shows, the ribbon cutting led by Director Atty. Mabel V. Mamba. With her are (from L-R) OIC- NCL Department Manager Mr. Romeo S. Rigodon, , Representative, Lone District ,Nueva Vizcaya Hon. Carlos M. Padilla, Mayor of Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya Hon. Ramon T. Canbauatan, Jr and PCSO Vice- Chairman and General Manager Atty. Jose Ferdinand M. Rojas II.Vice Chairman and General Manager Atty. Jose Ferdinand M. Rojas II said the agency is open-ing more PCSO branches in other provinces to bring the agency’s medical and health pro-grams and services closer to the people. (LEILA VALENCIA/JUSTIN SANTOS)

PCSO OPENS ITS 48TH BRANCH IN NUEVA VIZCAYA

PCSO opens its 47th branch in AntiqueBy: Leila Valencia/Roselle dela Umbria

On July 21, 2015, people in the province of Antique have more reasons to celebrate, the turnover of eight ambulances and the opening of the PCSO’s 47th branch office in San Jose Trade Town Dalipe, San Jose de Buenavista,Antique. The opening ceremony was led by PCSO Vice Chairman and General Manager Jose Ferdinand M. Rojas II, Director Francisco Joaquin III and Assistant General Manager for Branch Operations Remeliza Gabuyo. According to Mayor Romy L. Molina this is a wish come true for the Antgiquenos because after three (3) years of waiting, PCSO Board finally granted their request to put up a branch in the area so that the underprivileged people of Antique will be able to access PCSO assistance with ease.

From (L-R) Director Atty. Francisco Joaquin III, PCSO Vice Chairman and General Manager Atty Jose Fer-dinand M. Rojas II, Bishop Jose Ramon Lazo, Mayor of San Jose de buenavista Hon. Romy L. Molina and Congressman, Lone District of Antique Hon. Paolo Everardo S. Javier led the ceremonial ribbon-cutting during the opening of the 47th PCSO Branch in Antique.

Inauguration and Blessing. The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) formally opened its 50th branch located at the Former PENRO Building, Capitol Hill, Mati City, Davao Oriental on December 7, 2015.. The Davao Oriental Branch Office, headed by Cashier II, Ms. Gina C. Bernabe, is now ready to cater to its clientele needs whether in charity cases or gaming activities and will carry out the same mandate and qual-ity of service throughout the Region.Upper photos show the façade and the blessing of the new office officiated by Rev. Fr. Randy Diamante. Lower photo shows, the ribbon cutting led by Director Atty. Francisco Joaquin III and Provincial Governor of Davao Oriental Corazon N. Malanyaon .With them is AGM for Branch Operations Sector Remeliza Gabuyo. Director Joaquin reiterated that the agency is opening more PCSO branches in other provinces to bring the agency’s medical and health programs and services closer to the people.

PCSO OPENS ITS 50TH BRANCH IN DAVAO ORIENTAL

(LEILA VALENCIA/ARNOLD RAMOS)

PCSO Romblon Branch Soft Opening

In keeping with the agency’s vision to have a timely and responsive presence in every province by 2020, PCSO conducted the soft opening of Romblon Branch on February 4, 2016. The branch, which is the 2nd branch opened this year and the 52nd PCSO branch nationwide is located at the Upper Ground, Romblon Provincial Hospital, Barangay Liwanag, Odiongan, Romblon. PCSO Vice Chairman and General Manager Atty. Jose Ferdinand M. Rojas II (right) and Governor Eduardo C. Firmalo, MD led the ceremonial ribbon cutting assisted by PCSO AGMs Larry R. Cedro, DMD (Charity) and Remeliza M. Gabuyo (Branch Operations-partly hidden) while Rev. Fr. Jose Falogme, Jr. officiated the blessing of the branch office.

The Province of Romblon has a total population of 283,930 as of 2010 Census with 17 municipalities and 219 barangays. Among the 17 municipalities, Odiongan, a 2nd class municipality with 15 barangays has the largest population with 43,676. Governor Firmalo thanked PCSO for opening a branch in Romblon. In his words “maraming pasyente na kung wala ang PCSO ay di na makalabas ng ospital, mapriso ng ospital.” He encouraged all those present during the event to patronize PCSO games because “pag kumita ng marami ang PCSO, marami din ang mananalo at matutulungan ang PCSO.” GM Rojas on the other hand persuaded all the mayors present to put up a lotto outlet in their respective municipalities as they will be entitled to LGU share. He likewise emphasized that PCSO can only continue with its charity services if people will patronize PCSO games. He also stressed that even if you don’t win you don’t waste your money because for every P 1.00 played 30% of that goes to charity, hence you are able to help in your own way. (Photos by: Roselle dela Umbria)

BRANCH OPENINGS2015-2016

PCSO opens its 51st branch in Southern Leyte. Heading the ribbon-cutting ceremony is AGM Remeliza M. Gabuyo and Mayor Maloney Samaro. (Darcy Geronimo)

In keeping with the agency’s vision to have a timely and responsive presence in every prov-ince by 2020, PCSO conducted the soft opening of Romblon Branch on February 4, 2016. The branch, which is the 2nd branch opened this year and the 52nd PCSO branch nationwide is located at the Upper Ground, Romblon Pro-vincial Hospital, Barangay Liwanag, Odiongan, Romblon.PCSO Vice Chairman and General Manager Atty. Jose Ferdinand M. Rojas II (right) and Governor Eduardo C. Firmalo, MD led the cer-emonial ribbon cutting assisted by PCSO AGMs Larry R. Cedro, DMD (Charity) and Remeliza M. Gabuyo (Branch Operations-partly hidden) while Rev. Fr. Jose Falogme, Jr. officiated in the blessing of the branch office.The Province of Romblon has a total popula-tion of 283,930 as of 2010 Census with 17 mu-nicipalities and 219 barangays. Among the 17

municipalities, Odiongan, a 2nd class municipality with 15 barangays has the largest population with 43,676.Governor Firmalo thanked PCSO for opening a branch in Romblon. In his words “maraming pasyente na kung wala ang PCSO ay di na makalabas ng ospital, mapriso ng ospital.” He encouraged all those present during the event to patronize PCSO games because “pag kumita ng marami ang PCSO, marami din ang mananalo at matutulungan ang PCSO.”GM Rojas on the other hand persuaded all the mayors present to put up a lotto outlet in their respec-tive municipalities as they will be entitled to LGU share. He likewise emphasized that PCSO can only continue with its charity services if people will patronize PCSO games. He also stressed that even if you don’t win you don’t waste your money because for every P 1.00 played 30% of that goes to charity, hence you are able to help in your own way. (Photos by: Roselle dela Umbria)

PCSO ROMBLON BRANCH SOFT OPENING

The city government of Ozamiz in Misamis Occidental opened its doors to the 45th branch office of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) on June 22, 2015. The inauguration and blessing of the PCSO branch was attended by PCSO officials headed by Vice Chairman and General Manager Jose Ferdinand Rojas II and PCSO Directors Ma-bel V. Mamba, Francisco Joaquin III and Betty Nantes and other PCSO officers. Ozamiz City appealed to the PCSO Board to put up a branch office in the area so it can cater to the request of the underprivileged people particularly on provision of medical assistance and medical equipment to community hospitals to better serve the patients in the locale. It took a while before the Ozamiz City government and PCSO came into realization of setting up the branch office. “Our sincere gratitude to the Ozamiz City government headed by Hon. Mayor Reynaldo “Aldong” Parojinog Sr.” for donating the property where the branch office is now situated.With the presence of PCSO in your city, you are now assured that we can now facilitate all requests with regard to medicines, equipment, health and medical assis-tance and likewise, the LGU will now have a share from PCSO Charity Fund “ says Direc-tor Joaquin. He further quips that for PCSO to continue to uphold its mandate in giving aid to the poor and needy, the people should also help PCSO by patronizing its products.

The inauguration and blessing of the PCSO branch at the Agora Complex, Barangay Aguada, Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental, was also attended by Misamis Oc-cidental Governor Herminia Ramiro, the Municipal Mayors and other officials from Mis-amis Occidental, Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon Province. The newly-opened branch will be headed by Ms. Pilarcita C. Florentes. (Laura M. Jacinto/Photo by Roselle dela Umbria)

OZAMIZ CITY WELCOMES PCSO’s 45th Branch

BLESSING OF PCSO MISAMIS ORIENTAL BRANCH OFFICE

The PCSO Misamis Oriental Branch headed by its manager, Mr. Raul Miro Regondola, held the blessing of their new office located at Capitol Grounds, Corrales Avenue, Cagayan De Oro City last September 24, 2015. The branch transferred from their former office at Bernardo building along Capt. Vicente Roa Street last April 14, 2015 to the new office in compliance with management policy to occupy a rent free space. The present location of the branch office is owned by the Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental and they are allowing PCSO to occupy the area for free.

Present during the event were PCSO Vice Chairman and General Manager Atty. Jose Ferdinand M. Rojas II, PCSO Directors Atty. Francisco Joaquin and Atty. Mabel Mamba, Misamis Oriental Governor Yevgeny Vicente B. Emano, Misamis Oriental District II Representative Rufus Rodriguez and AbaMin Representative Maximo Rodriguez.

The blessing was officiated by Fr. Roger Almonia, Parish Priest of San Isidro Parish in Cagayan De Oro City. It took place after the ceremonial turnover of 11 ambulances and checks representing LGU shares from lotto sales. (Roselle Dela Umbria/ Photos by: Ericson Delos Reyes)

PCSO OPENS ITS 51st BRANCH IN SOUTHERN LEYTE

In its commitment to establish branches all over the country, PCSO opened another branch in one of the most significant places in Philippine history—Southern Leyte, on February 1, 2016.

Situated at the City Wharf Building, Demeterio St., Barangay Abgao,Maasin City, the PCSO branch opening was spearheaded by Ms. Remeliza M. Gabuyo, AGM for Branch Operations Sector, and was facilitated by Mr. Ricky Damole, Visayas Department Manager, and Mr. Gen-ciano Creer, Tacloban, Leyte Branch Manager, and Concurrent Head of Southern Leyte Branch.

Maasin city is a fourth class city composed of 70 ba-rangays, with a population of 81,250. It is the center of commercial and religious activities in Southern Leyte and the southwestern part of Leyte Island.

The new branch office of PCSO is expected to serve 46 Lotto outlets and 2 Keno outlets. (by: Darcy Geronimo)

PCSO opens its 51st branch in Southern Leyte. Heading the ribbon-cutting ceremony is AGM Remeliza M. Gabuyo and Mayor Maloney Samaro. (Darcy Geronimo)

BLESSING of PCSO MISAMIS ORIENTAL BRANCH OFFICE

True to its mission of making a timely and responsive presence in every province by 2020, PCSO opened its 49th Branch Office in Masbate City. Following the soft opening in December 2, 2015, led by AGM Remeliza M. Gabuyo and GCG Commissioner Rainier Butalid, the new PCSO branch was formally opened on January 25, 2016 by PCSO Directors Mabel Mamba and Francisco Joaquin III. The newly-opened branch is strategically located on a rent free office space in Masbate Provincial Hospital Com-pound, Masbate Road, Masbate City and will be headed in concurrent position by Ms. Laila Galang, Manager of Albay Branch. PCSO’s presence in the Bicol Region is strengthened with the opening of the Masbate Branch . Present during the event were: AGM Remeliza Gabuyo, Branch Operations Sector, Atty. Reena Yumina Yason, OIC- Manager Assets and Supply Management, Ms. Irma Guemo, OIC-Manager Southern Tagalog Region (STBR), Ms. Laila Galang, Albay Branch Manager and Mayors of several municipalities in the province. (Laura M. Jacinto/Eric delos Reyes)

PCSO FORMALLY OPENS 49th BRANCH IN MASBATE CITY