CEBU CITY – Despite the controversies surrounding the online cockfighting, Cebuano cockfighting aficionados are pushing for the restoration of the industry through e-sabong.

The Visayas Finest Cockers (VFC) believed that through e-sabong, the cockfighting industry will be resuscitated after it was badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“For two years, those who lived through cockfighting, had no earnings. For every cockpit, there are about 100 people who earn through cockfighting,” said Victor Sierra, president of VFC, which was launched on Saturday, March 26, in an uptown hotel here.

Sierra said the VFC is aware of the issues surrounding e-sabong but the group is focusing on the benefits that it brings.

Sierra said cockfights spur economic activities in areas where there are "sabong."

"There are vendors, there are sellers of feed and there are those who earn through gamefowl breeding. These are the people that were affected after traditional cockfights were prohibited due to the pandemic," said Sierra.

Through e-sabong, Sierra said, gamefowl breeders will have a steady income to cover their expenses.

Sierra said the VFC was formed after it was granted by Sabong Express to operate a franchise in the Visayas.

Sabong Express is one of the few entities that was allowed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to run an e-sabong.

The Senate has launched an investigation following the disappearance of 34 “sabungeros” in the National Capital Region.

Authorities have said that the disappearance may have something to do with allegations of game-fixing.

Sierra assured the integrity of the cockfights under VFC.

“We have the elites from the Visayas and Mindanao. They will be fielding in their best fighters and we can guarantee that each member will go for the win,” Sierra said.

VFC’s first undertaking will be the “Battle of Elites”, a five-cock derby that will start on March 29 at the Talisay City Sports Complex in southern Cebu.

The “Battle of Elites” will be competed in by 12 teams with each squad composed of four cockers.

The 12 teams are Team China, Team MV MOA Erika, Team Rhea, Team DM, Team Sierra, Team Dungay, Team Benny, Team BW-MNE Panangban, Team Cegba, Team North and South and Team Jing.

Sierra said that cockers usually incur expenses when joining derbies but under VFC, participants don’t have to spend for their participation.

Sierra said Sabong Nation has allotted P12 million that will be distributed to each team that will take part in VFC-sanctioned derbies.

“We are calling on our fellow breeders and cockers from Cebu, Visayas and Mindanao to support Sabong Express to help us revive the cockfighting industry,” said Sierra.