By BOY RYAN B. ZABAL
KALIBO, Aklan — The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has opened a branch in this capital town.
Jose Ferdinand Rojas II, PCSO acting chair and general manager, said the PCSO Aklan Branch is the charity agency’s 40th branch.
Located beside the governor’s guest house at the Capitol complex in Barangay Estancia here, the PCSO office will provide easier access to medical and health-related assistance.
Rojas said the establishment of new PCSO offices nationwide provides convenience to people, especially those in far-flung barangays, who want to avail themselves of the agency’s services such as claiming of minor prizes in lotto games, medical assistance, and support for lotto agents.
Gov. Florencio Miraflores, Vice Gov. Gabrielle Calizo–Quimpo, Rep. Teodorico Haresco Jr., and PCSO directors Atty. Maria Aleta Tolentino, Atty. Mabel Mamba, Atty. Francisco Joaquin III, and Betty Nantes led the ceremonial ribbon-cutting during the opening and blessing on Thursday.
In April, Rojas handed to Aklan P5.3 million in assistance funds taken from PCSO’s fundraising activity in December last year.
As part of “Pamaskong Handog ng PCSO: Nine Days of Christmas” last year, the agency set aside a percentage of lotto ticket sales during a specified period to be donated to provinces hit by super typhoon “Yolanda.”
During Thursday’s opening, PCSO also held a medical mission, specifically catering to senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
PCSO provides health care-related needs; funds orphanages and other social welfare institutions; donates ambulances/mobile clinics, medical equipment and medicines; and provides assistance in times of calamities and national emergencies./PN
