PCSO office slated in Bontoc to cater to indigents, seniors

By Wabilyn Mana-od

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) here in the capital town shall soon be open to provide and raise funds for health programs, medical assistance and services, and charities most especially to indigents, senior citizens, and deserving individuals who shall be applying for such assistance.

           

The idea of setting up an office within the premises of the municipal hall of Bontoc was through Rep. Maximo Dalog.

           

Earlier, a proposal was prepared that was coordinated with the municipal government through Mayor Pascual Sacgaca supporting this idea by offering a room available to set up an office.

The proposal was forwarded to the PCSO in which the office immediately responded and sent representatives to validate the proposed area. Last Monday, October 1, initial inspection was conducted personally by Urdaneta Based PCSO Regional Manager Ern Dancel together with two other companions from the PCSO accompanied by  Allyson Belagan, consultant and representative from the Office of the Congressman.

           

In a discussion conducted on the same date with the presence of  Dalog, Mayor Sacgaca and representatives from the PCSO at the Mayor’s Office, Ms. Dancel said the area is approved for an office set-up, however, they are eyeing for a bigger space in which they can put up and store lottery machines and equipments.

           

Dalog reiterated that the putting up of a branch office in the capital town shall facilitate and aid the constituents not only from Mountain Province but will also serve constituents from nearby provinces such as Kalinga and Ifugao. This will lessen the involvement of money expenses used in traveling of the applicant all the way to Urdaneta to process and apply for the assistance and likewise the time and effort shall be minimized.

            

For the part of the municipal government, Sacgaca said they will be accommodated and provided a room at the municipal hall.

            

Since the room is only good for an office set-up the mayor added that they will be looking for another alternative area but for the meantime they will used the proposed area.

            

The PCSO conducts charity sweepstakes, races, and lotteries and engages in health and welfare-related ventures, projects, and activities to provide and supply for permanent and continuing sources of funds for its programs.

            

It also carries out other activities to boost, increase and expand such fund-generating operations as well as strengthen the agency’s fund-management capabilities.