Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Alexander Balutan sees to it that the agency is transparent in all its sales and accomplishments to gain people’s trust and confidence and end corruption.
The I-Hope (Integrate Health for Overall Productivity and Empowerment) program was conceived in an effort to achieve Strategic Measure under the Performance Agreement Negotiation (PAN) with the Governance Commission for GOCCs Strategic (GCG).
The program aims to implement responsible and efficient fund provision for health and charitable programs of the government and to provide access to charity services identified by the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC).
Last year, Maguindanao, Sulu, Lanao del Sur, and Saranggani provinces became beneficiaries of this program. This year, PCSO has identified Sultan Kudarat, Biliran, Basilan, and Tawi-tawi to receive P50 million each for the equipment upgrade.
Before assuming his position as general manager in 2016, Balutan said there are only 50 PCSO branches and 18 Small Town Lottery (STL) players nationwide.
At present, there are 63 PCSO branches, 87 partner-hospitals through the At-Source-Ang-Processing (ASAP) Desks, and 84 STL players.
According to Balutan, he signs cheques every day for more or less P22 million intended for the poor and indigent patients who are requesting for financial/medical support.
Requests vary from hospitalization, chemotherapy, dialysis, implant/transplant, to any medical services, except room, rent, and doctors’ professional fees.
To relive patients from making personal appearances in the PCSO Main Office in Mandaluyong City or its extension office at the Lung Center of the Philippines in Quezon City, Balutan advised patients to go directly to PCSO ASAP Desks located in partner-hospitals nationwide.
Balutan revealed that Davao del Sur, Pampanga, and Nueva Ecija have P800,000 budget per a day, but it can be increased depending on the number of patients, especially poor and indigents who have really no means to pay.
He also reminded the local government units to support PCSO products, especially STL, in line with the directive (Executive Order No. 13) of the President to curb illegal gambling nationwide.
