Before redesigning Pagcor’s logo, Dopy Doplon designed UST’s quadricentennial logo, as well as several coffee table books and annual reports
Image: The agency’s 40th anniversary celebration at the Marriott Hotel Manila in Pasay City, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., Pagcor Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez presided over the introduction of the new logo. Picture taken by PAGCOR
The Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) is facing a firestorm of criticism online after it has drastically changed its logo for P3 million.
From the familiar logo depicting green hands holding light, Pagcor’s new logo resembles flames to supposedly symbolize the agency igniting change and progress. Chief executive officer Alejandro Tengco added that the change depicts its “re-energized” role as the country’s gaming regulator.
“The logo likewise reflects a beacon which symbolizes guidance, leadership, and direction. It represents a guiding light that helps people find their way,” Tengco added.
The logo and the amount spent for it was questioned by several graphic designers.
PAGCOR awarded a P3 million contract to Printplus Graphics Services to redesign its logo. The company’s president, Francisco “Dopy” Doplon, is a renowned graphic designer who has created logos for the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the University of Santo Tomas, and Metrobank Foundation. Rappler has reached out to Doplon for comment, but he declined to speak without PAGCOR’s approval.
Previous projects, achievements
Doplon is a seasoned graphic designer who has created logos for government agencies and corporations. He redesigned the Cultural Center of the Philippines logo in 2009, adding a wave and 40 pebbles to represent the 40 years of the CCP. In 2011, he won the logo-making contest for the University of Santo Tomas’ quadricentennial celebration. His design, “Tongues of fire,” featured the university’s main building tower with four flames spelling out “UST.” Doplon said he chose the colors orange and yellow because they are “cool” and “capture the tastes of the present.” He is also a known book cover designer, and his work includes The Golden Voyage: 50 Years of Empowering Filipino Artistry, an art book featuring entries from the Shell National Students Art Competition.
He has won two Manila Critics Circle National Book awards for his book cover designs, and has also designed logos for the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, Filipinas Heritage Library, and Tanghalang Pilipino. He has worked with the Ayala Group, United Laboratories, and Nestle Corporation, and is currently the CEO and creative director of ArtOne Design, a graphics design company that has been operating since 1991.