Following the months-long suspension of its operations, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) on Thursday confirmed that it has allowed the resumption of Small Town Lottery (STL) gaming in more areas nationwide.
(MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
PCSO said that STL gaming operations were allowed to resume in Abra, Nueva Vizcaya, Province of Ilocos Norte, Province of Ilocos Sur, Province of Surigao Del Sur, Province of Davao Del Sur excluding Davao City, and Olongapo City, Zambales effective Wednesday, Sept. 23.
Last Sept. 16, PCSO said that the STL gaming operations have resumed in the province of Ilocos Norte and in Nueva Vizcaya. However, PCSO reminded that “all STL areas not mentioned shall remain suspended.”
The resumption of STL in some areas was announced after months-long suspension due to the COVID-19 situation in the country. The STL, along with lotto games and other operations of PCSO, was suspended in March amid the public health emergency.
While it has allowed the resumption of STL in select areas, PCSO reminded the public to remain vigilant.
“Health and safety protocols implemented by the IATF , LGUs concerned, and the PCSO shall be strictly implemented,” it said.
PCSO added that the “operations these areas shall be automatically suspended” if they are placed under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) or Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ).
Meanwhile, PCSO General Manager Royina Garma thanked the public for its continued support and patronage of PCSO gaming products including STL, Lotto and Digit games, Keno and Instant Sweepstakes Scratch-it tickets.
“With your P20.00, you do not only get the chance to become a millionaire but you also get to help indigent Filipinos nationwide through the charity programs of PCSO,” Garma added.
The charity programs of PCSO include the Medical Access Program (MAP), Patient Transport Vehicle (PTV) Donation Program, Medicine Donation Program, Medical and Dental Mission Program, Calamity Assistance Program, Institutional Partnership Program (IPP) and Integrated Health for Overall Productivity and Empowerment (I-HOPE).