PAGCOR ends offshore gaming operations in Cavite

[Wolf32]

PAGCOR confirmed the shutdown of all operations at Island Cove in Kawit, Cavite, as part of a national effort to end all POGO activities.

In July 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued a compliance order to close all POGOs by year-end.

The formal closure of the Island Cove facility was conducted by PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, PAOCC Executive Director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz, and PNP Chief Rommel Francisco Marbil.

The Cavite hub, the largest of its kind in the Philippines, spanned 33 hectares with 57 buildings and employed 30,000 workers at its peak. It housed not only POGO offices but also community facilities such as dormitories, gaming areas, cafés, grocery stores, clinics, restaurants, spas, and beauty salons.

Alejandro Tengco, the Chairman and CEO of PAGCOR, mentioned:

Anybody can now see that offshore gaming operations here have ceased completely. These companies have also coordinated with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to downgrade the employment visas of their workers, ensuring a smooth transition.

The nationwide closure of POGO operations is expected to impact around 40,000 workers. However, DOLE and other agencies are offering support through livelihood packages, job fairs, and zero-interest loans for affected employees.