Northern samar: Northern Samar 2nd District Rep. Edwin Ongchuan on Thursday called on the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to extend incentives and support not only to national athletes but also to local and regional competitors.

According to Philippines News Agency, Ongchuan’s appeal came during the congressional hearing on PAGCOR’s 2026 budget on Aug. 20, emphasizing the importance of grassroots sports development in strengthening Philippine athletics. The discussion revealed that PAGCOR incentives are typically directed to athletes competing in international and national events through coordination with the Philippine Sports Commission.

“While this system ensures national representation is prioritized, I underscored the need for more inclusive support that reaches athletes in the regions. Developing local talent requires tangible investment and recognition from national institutions,” Ongchuan said in a statement. The lawmaker proposed the intervention noting PAGCOR’s strong financial performance. The agency posted an income of PHP111 billion in 2024 and is set to surpass its PHP116.65 billion target in 2025.

“With such robust revenue, I inquired whether PAGCOR’s resources could be mobilized to empower athletes beyond the national level,” he added. The hearing also reviewed PAGCOR’s corporate social responsibility priorities. Its mandated programs cover sports, medical and health-related initiatives, disaster relief, education, and community development.

While these areas have seen significant funding, the call for equitable allocation suggests that regional athletes should be integrated into the corporate social responsibility framework to maximize impact, according to Ongchuan.