The Philippine Gaming, Entertainment and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) announced the appointment of attorney Wilma Eisma as its new president and chief operating officer (COO). Eisma was sworn in before Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin at the Malacañang Palace in Manila, marking an important milestone for PAGCOR. Because she became the agency's first female president and COO.
Confidence in new leadership
In another interview, Chairman Alejandro Tengco expressed confidence in the appointment of Ms. Eisma, praising her extensive experience in the public and private sectors. He also highlighted her past achievements, including serving as the first female chief executive and chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), as well as her contributions in leadership positions such as PMFTC Inc.
"We know she will be a tremendous asset to us and her extensive experience in government and the private sector will certainly be put to good use here," Tengco said.
Eisma assumes leadership role at PAGCOR
Immediately following the swearing-in ceremony, Eisma attended her first PAGCOR Board of Directors meeting. She becomes PAGCOR's president and chief operating officer, succeeding attorney Juanito Sanosa Jr., who resigned in January.
PAGCOR beats dividend expectations
Last March, PAGCOR said it delivered higher dividend contributions to the Philippine Treasury. This is due to the company's strong performance in the entire fiscal year 2023, which included total revenue of up to 7.937 billion Philippine pesos (approximately 1.3 billion euros) and net profit of 613 million Philippine pesos (approximately 100.5 million euros).
GGR expected to grow in 2024
Furthermore, the agency said it expects the Philippines’ gaming industry landscape to maintain growth and gain an important position internationally. In 2023, the Southeast Asian country's gross revenue (GGR) reached 28.527 billion Philippine pesos (approximately 4.7 billion euros), surpassing pre-pandemic records. PAGCOR expects GGR to increase with the opening of new integrated resorts (IRs) such as Solaire North in northern Quezon City.
