
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) marked its 91st anniversary yesterday, October 30, coinciding with the National Day of Charity, even as it reaffirms its mission of serving every Filipino through impactful, charitable and service-driven programs.
PCSO General Melquiades Robles said: “For 91 years, PCSO has remained strong because of our people-their dedication, integrity, and heart for service. Together, we will continue to be the strength behind a more compassionate future.”
With the theme “A Legacy of Service: The Strength Behind the Future,” the PCSO renews its commitment to health equity and social welfare, powered by a workforce known for dedication, integrity, and a genuine heart for service. As the agency continues to adapt and expand, its financial strength remains a key factor in its ability to deliver aid, and provide medical help especially to the poor across the nation.
Various Activities
As part of month-long anniversary celebration, the PCSO has conducted various activities including the 2025 PCSO Charity Run at Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati, in partnership with RunRio. More than 4,000 participants from government, the private sector, and the public joined the run to promote health, unity, and social responsibility.
GM Robles, who participated in the 5K race, praised the turnout, saying “Every stride brings hope,” and reaffirming the organization’s motto, “Sa Bawat Taya, May Kawanggawa.”
The agency also held a Thanksgiving Mass and Service Awards honoring employees with 10 to 30 years of service, held on October 24 at Foro de Intramuros.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivered a video message underscoring PCSO’s contributions to nation-building and charity work.
Partner agencies, including MMDA, LRTA, OCD, and the Philippine Coast Guard were recognized for their support during recent crises such as Typhoon “Opong” and the Cebu earthquake.
Long-serving employees with 40 and 45 years of service and departmental awardees were also honored.
Furthermore, PCSO led a nationwide, simultaneous charitable activities yesterday in honor of the National Charity Day.
Program Milestone
PCSO revenues reached P61.4 billion in 2023 and P62.3 billion in 2024, exceeding pre-pandemic levels and enabling broader nationwide support.
Among its key program milestones include the distribution of an unprecedented and record-setting 1,540 patient transport vehicles or ambulances to local government units nationwide.
GM Robles said they will continue to work hard to attain their target of distributing 1,724 target ambulance units for this year.
To recall, the agency distributed a single day record of 387 units of PTVs last July 9.
P14.56-B Medical Assistance
Meanwhile, the PCSO has also already released some P14.56-B since 2022 to more than 1.36 million patients as part of its medical assistance program
It also donated P125 million in medical equipment distributed to various LGUs and other beneficiaries; and handed out P74.88 million to institutional partners.
The agency also distributed some 233,250 Charitimba food packs, and more than 10,000 assistive devices to victims of natural calamities in various parts of the country.
During the past three years, the PCSO has remitted P18.7-B to government agencies and allocated P4.2 -B to charity funds, supporting public health and social services.
Most Improved GOCC
Along the way, it earned recognition for its efficient performance and prudent handling of finances improving its GCG rating from 56% (2021) to 92.03% (2023).
As a result, it was cited as “Most Improved GOCC” and enabling staff Performance Based Bonus for the first time in nine years.
It scored 98.01 in 2024 and received awards including the ARTA Silver Award, GCG Stakeholders Relations Award, ISO 9001:2015 recertification, and WLA Level II Certification for Responsible Gaming.
International Citations
GM Robles became the first Filipino elected to the APLA Executive Committee in 2023. Paving the way for the country’s hosting of APLA Regional Conference on October 26–31 this year, the biggest attendance so far, 240 delegates, a testament to the global trust and confidence to the Philippine Lottery System.
“We thank our employees, partners, and the Filipino public for their continued trust and support to our lotto products,” GM Robles stressed.
As PCSO celebrates 91 years of service, it reaffirms its commitment to bring hope, compassion, and meaningful change to Filipinos, keeping charity at the heart of its mission. (PR)