Lawmaker Suggests Repurposing POGO Hubs as Student Dorms

Representative Janette Garin from Iloilo (1st District) proposed an innovative solution to the housing crisis faced by students. During the September 18 House discussion on the 2025 General Appropriations Bill, she suggested converting Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hubs into student dormitories. Garin noted that these facilities, particularly those in Central Luzon, feature well-designed buildings that could be utilized as extensions of state universities and colleges.

“Actually ang isang pinaka challenging na gastusin ng isang estudyante ay yung boarding house, yung dormitory, especially so that this is mostly provided by the private sector and hindi nakokontrol yung presyo, yung bayarin,” Garin was quoted as saying in a report published by the Philippine Star. (Actually, one of the most challenging expenses for the student is the boarding house, the dormitory, especially since mostly the private sector provides this. And the price, the fee, cannot be controlled).

Garin emphasized that this could help ease the financial burden that students face due to rising rental costs. She based her information on a study titled “Enhancing Access and Success in SUCs.”

The lawmaker acknowledged that while this initiative may not apply nationwide, it could significantly benefit students in Region 3.

“While this may not be applicable nationwide, for Region 3, it would be really beneficial if the government could acquire the beautiful POGO hubs and scam hubs discovered, and convert them into extension campuses and dormitories for deserving students,” she added.

Rep. France Castro of the ACT Teachers Party-list supported Garin’s suggestion, although she highlighted the need for further study. “That’s also a good suggestion. It still needs to be studied further,” she stated.

This proposal comes amid ongoing investigations by a House mega-panel into the illegal operations of POGOs. In a related initiative, the Department of Social Welfare and Development previously suggested repurposing raided POGO hubs as shelters for homeless women and children.

The House of Representatives is currently focused on finalizing the 2025 General Appropriations Bill, with a goal to pass it by September 25, 2024.

Read related article: POGO Ban Linked to Dip in Office Occupancy in Metro Manila