Barely two years at the helm of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco has been recognized as a game changer and was thus chosen as one of the “Men Who Matter” awardees this year.

The annual awards ceremony, organized by PeopleAsia Magazine, recognizes and pays tribute to the country’s outstanding men who made a mark in their respective fields while giving back to society.

Mr. Tengco’s tenacity to lead PAGCOR and transform it into a better and more responsive government organization was cited by the award-giving body which commended his drive to increase the agency’s “net income by 53 percent, its revenues by 34.6 percent and its contribution to nation-building by 43 percent” in the first half of the year.

In his acceptance speech, Chairman Tengco said he now has an even bigger task to accomplish after he was instructed by the President to wind down the operations of all Philippine offshore gaming operators or POGOs in the country by the end of the year.

He expressed gratitude to all PAGCOR employees who believe in his vision and policy reforms for the organization.

“Being the chief executive of PAGCOR is a very challenging job. But I’d like to thank my fellow PAGCORians because if not for their help, maybe I will not be here tonight,” he said.

“My success is because of all the PAGCORians who believe in me and who are helping me transform PAGCOR into a respected government institution once again.”

The PAGCOR chief also pledged support to PhilStar Media Group’s Damayan Foundation which has been raising funds for families affected by Typhoon Carina, even as he mentioned that PAGCOR has started its own relief operations for disaster-hit communities in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Aside from Mr. Tengco, other “Men Who Matter” awardees this year were actor Dingdong Dantes, fashion designer Paul Cabral, Potato Corner COO Joey Alvero, Conrad Manila's Fabio Berto, world-renowned sculptor Michael Cacnio, Managing director of Bellevue Resorts Patrick Chan, Chef Sau del Rosario, Pangasinan 4th District Rep. Christopher de Venecia, A-list talent manager Jojie Dingcong, CEO of Citi Paul Favila, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, Opulence Design Concept owner Gerry Sy and Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano.