The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has launched a National Problem Gambling Helpline (NPGH) to offer steady help for people affected by gambling-related points. The helpline, accessible 24 hours a day at 02-8248-9568, immediately connects callers with educated counselors who provide confidential help. This initiative is a part of PAGCOR’s broader dedication to accountable gaming and safeguarding participant welfare.
The program is applied in partnership with the Seagulls Flock Organization Inc. (SFO), which brings experience in psychological well being, dependancy therapy, behavioral wellness, and counseling. According to PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco, the helpline is designed to help not solely these experiencing playing hurt but in addition their members of the family. He emphasised that whereas gaming could be a type of leisure for many, it may well escalate into monetary difficulties, emotional stress, strained relationships, and social isolation for others.
“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 acknowledged in a keynote speech learn by Senior Vice President for Land-Based Operations Daniel Cecilio, as published on PAGCOR’s website.
Professional Training and Counseling Services
The NPGH staff contains para-counselors and psychological well being professionals who’re educated to offer speedy help, psychological steerage, and referrals to specialised therapy applications. The helpline operates on structured referral protocols to handle disaster conditions and supply long-term help. SFO Chairperson Teresita “Chit” Castillo highlighted the partnership as a bridge between regulatory oversight and evidence-based scientific interventions. She described the NPGH as the primary round the clock hotline within the Philippines devoted completely to gambling-related issues.
Before the official launch, a commencement ceremony was held for the NPGH para-counselors, demonstrating the intensive coaching they underwent. Castillo defined that the advisors obtained instruction in motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral remedy, scientific strategies, technical name dealing with, and techniques for managing irate or distressed callers. At current, 12 para-counselors work in three shifts, making certain the helpline operates across the clock, with plans to increase the staff as demand will increase.
A Safe and Compassionate Approach
PAGCOR has framed the helpline as a mix of regulatory duty and compassionate care. Tengco burdened that efficient responses to downside playing ought to contain each sturdy governance and empathetic help. By connecting callers with educated psychological well being professionals, the helpline goals to offer sensible steerage, triage companies, and structured interventions for these impacted by playing.
In addition to the helpline, PAGCOR continues to supply help via its present applications and sources, making certain that gamers and their households have a number of avenues for help. The launch occasion was attended by officers from PAGCOR and SFO, together with Gaming Licensing and Development Department AVP Ma. Vina Claudette Oca, alongside employees and members of the regulatory and counseling groups.
Through this initiative, PAGCOR reinforces its function as a regulator that prioritizes each participant safety and social duty, offering accessible {and professional} assist to anybody affected by playing hurt.
