EXECUTIVE Secretary Lucas Bersamin and PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles on Thursday led the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Corporate Center in Ermita, Manila.

The P2.2-billion project is eyed to become the permanent home for the agency's employees and stakeholders, while allowing a 24/7 operational capability for designated operations.

Robles said that their objective was to build an infrastructure that will not only be enough to house the workforce but also to significantly enhance their corporate image.

They also aim to strengthen their ability to fulfill their mandate of raising and providing funds for national health-related projects and charities.

In his welcome remarks, Robles shared that over the years, the PCSO has moved from one city to another, either renting or sharing office spaces to house its workforce and daily operations.

"[The] PCSO Corporate Center will rise as a symbol of the dedication of PCSO officials and employees who dared to dream through the years," Robles added.

The project is expected to be completed by October 2026.

Other officials who were present during the groundbreaking of the new Corporate Center include PCSO Chairman retired Judge Felix Reyes, Directors Imelda Papin, Jennifer Liongson-Guevara and Janet de Leon-Mercado, as well as representatives from project constructor Unimasters Conglomeration Inc./Monocrete Construction Philippines Inc. and Finance Undersecretary Rolando Tungpalan from the DoF Corporate Affairs and Strategic Infrastructure Group.

PCSO, hindi umuurong sa pagtulong!