Via GRAPHIC PLUS — The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation on Tuesday, May 26, launched its 24/7 National Problem Gambling Helpline (NPGH), highlighting the agency’s commitment to responsible gaming and player protection.
The helpline (02-8248-9568) directly connects to trained counselors for confidential support and counseling for those experiencing gaming-related issues. The program is in partnership with the Seagulls Flock Organization Inc. (SFO).
In his keynote speech read by Senior Vice President for Land-Based Operations Daniel Cecilio during the launch, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said the lifeline will cater to everyone struggling with problem gambling, including family members of those who are affected.
“This National Problem Gambling Helpline that we are launching today reflects PAGCOR’s commitment to ensure that the gaming industry remains productive, well-governed, humane, and accountable,’’ Tengco said.
‘’PAGCOR is aware that for many, gaming is just a form of leisure and recreation,” he said. “But for some, what may start as entertainment can gradually lead to financial strain and ruin, emotional distress, damaged relationships, and isolation.”
Tengco emphasized that the response to problem gambling should be rooted not only in regulation, but also in compassion.
He cited the important role and track record of SFO in promoting mental health, counseling, addiction treatment, and behavioral wellness.
“Through the dedication of their psychologists, counselors, social workers, researchers, and advocates, they have helped many individuals rebuild their lives,’’ Tengco said.
“You bring to this partnership not only expertise, but genuine compassion and a firm belief that people can recover, heal, and start again.”
Through its para-counselors and mental health professionals, the helpline provides immediate assistance, psychological support, and referrals to individuals struggling with gambling-related problems, as well as for their families.
The NPGH will focus on guidance, triage, and long-term support in accordance with proper referral protocols for crisis situations.
SFO chairperson Teresita “Chit” Castillo expressed gratitude for PAGCOR’s support when it comes to providing evidence-based interventions to people who are experiencing problem gambling.
She noted that the NPGH is the first round-the-clock hotline that is dedicated to addressing gambling problems.
“We are very grateful for the partnership with PAGCOR, hindi naman namin talaga inaasahan ‘yun but I guess it’s a blessing also because parang nagbi-bridge from the regulatory and the clinical evidence-based interventions like counseling and then of course referrals to treatment in rehabilitation centers so those who are affected by gambling harm can get the right help that they need,’’ Castillo said.
Prior to the launch of the helpline, a graduation ceremony for NPGH para-counselors was also held, showing that those who will handle the helpline are well-trained and well-equipped in providing accessible and professional support to those in need.
“We decided to come up with a commencement exercise kasi medyo mahaba rin ‘yung naging training nila. They had several programs on motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, mga clinical skills na at the same time for technical… how to handle the calls, how to deal with irate callers,” Castillo said.
At present, Castillo said there are 12 para-counselors who will work in three shifts per day. She is hoping that more para-counselors would be part of their team in the near future to help more individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
The launch was also graced by Gaming Licensing and Development Department AVP Ma. Vina Claudette Oca, other PAGCOR and SFO employees, as well as licensees.
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