Why this conversation matters now

Gambling no longer requires a trip to a casino or a betting station. Today it is open 24 hours a day, one tap away from an e-wallet, and easy to hide from the people closest to us. For workers in demanding, high-focus industries like construction, the effects reach beyond personal finances. They show up as fatigue, distraction, financial stress, and strain
on families. The session opened with a look at this “digital trap” and then turned to what compulsive gambling actually is. Using the Gamblers Anonymous definition, the team described it as an illness that is progressive in nature but can be arrested. It is a health condition, not a moral failing.

Participants also learned to recognize common warning signs in themselves or others, including chasing losses, placing bigger bets, hiding gambling activity, borrowing money to bet, and gambling to escape stress. The discussion also showed how gambling problems are never just one person’s problem, since they affect a family’s finances, emotional wellbeing, relationships, and work.

Introducing Shelldon’s Bantay Pusta

The team then introduced Bantay Pusta, a Filipino-built digital recovery app designed to help people take control of problem gambling without shame, fear, or punishment. Its recovery-first philosophy is rooted in three Filipino values: Responsibilidad, Pamilya, and Pagbabago. Participants also met Shelldon, the app’s guardian turtle, who guides users through their recovery journey.

The presentation walked through the app’s main features. Gambling blocking protects users from gambling sites and apps on their own phones. Panic Alert offers fast help during moments of urge. The Bet Free Timer and Money Tracker make progress visible. The Recovery Journal, daily reflections, and Shelldon’s Shelter, a safe and moderated community, help users reflect and connect. The team also explained how easily the app can be set up and how it protects privacy.

Bantay Pusta does not read screen content, messages, or banking details. It does not report users to anyone, and it never sells data. The app also supports family members who stand beside someone in recovery.

You don’t have to do it alone

The session closed with information on additional support. Gamblers Anonymous Philippines offers free peer support groups, and Recovering Gamblers Philippines provides coaching, residential care, and other resources.

The team reminded participants that Bantay Pusta is a protective self-help tool that complements, but does not replace, professional medical or psychological care. The session ended with an open Q&A, and participants were welcome to raise questions privately afterward.

A heartfelt thank you to ACCIONA

We are deeply grateful to Acciona–DMCI Joint Venture for opening its doors to this important conversation. Our sincere thanks go to Mr. Alberto Lascorz, Project Director; Mr. Emmanuel Castro, Deputy Project Director; and Dr. Conrad Sosito, MD, FPCOM, OH Project Physician, for their leadership and support in making this session possible. We also thank every member of the SCRP02 team who joined us, listened with open minds,
and took part in the discussion.

By putting worker wellbeing at the center of its occupational health efforts, Acciona DMCI JV shows that caring for people is part of building strong projects. We hope this session helps start more honest, judgment-free conversations about gambling in the workplace and at home.

Bring this session to your organization

Bantay Pusta offers gambling awareness sessions for companies, schools, communities, and organizations. To arrange a session, email info@bantaypusta.com or visit bantaypusta.com.

Shelldon’s Bantay Pusta is available on Android and iOS.

Block. Recover. Empower.