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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider House 'fully committed' to make PH dominant in esports

House 'fully committed' to make PH dominant in esports

Published Feb 13, 2024 08:12 am

At A Glance

  • Speaker Martin Romualdez ensured the full support of the House of Representatives for the development of esports, and even said he envisions the Philippines as a dominant force in the gaming world.

8862E742-0A3B-41D8-BBC4-497520F5B05F.jpegHouse Speaker Martin Romualdez addresses attendees during the launch of the Unity League (Speaker’s Office)

Speaker Martin Romualdez ensured the full support of the House of Representatives for the development of esports, and even said he envisions the Philippines as a dominant force in the gaming world.

“We believe in the power of youth, innovation, and technology to bring about positive change,” said Romualdez.

“Together, let's make history and prove that the Philippines can be a dominant force in esports, just as we have been in other sports disciplines,” he added.

The House leader gave this commitment during the launch of the Unity League and its inaugural Mobile Legends: Bang Bang nationwide tournament in Pasay City on Monday, Feb. 12.

Romualdez said the launch was a “pivotal moment” in the history of Philippine esports and a “bold step towards recognizing and nurturing the immense talent pool in our country”.

“Do not look to the Unity League as a mere competition. It is a chance to showcase your skills, to represent your communities, and to be part of something bigger than yourselves,” the Speaker noted.

“Remember, every champion was once a contender that refused to give up. So, I encourage you to seize this opportunity, to dream big, and to work hard. The future of Philippine esports looks bright, and it's up to us to ensure that it shines on the world stage,” he said.

Aside from opening the door to becoming national esports athletes under Team Sibol, the Unity League is also offering substantial financial incentives through its prize pool.

Romualdez said the House will help provide funding support through the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). A prize money of P2 million will be given for the winning team, P1 million for the runner-up, and P500,000 for the third-place winner.

Likewise, the Speaker agreed to suggesstions to double the prize money fo the regional competition, which is originally at P60,000 for the first place, P30,000 for the second place, and P20,000 for the 3rd place winner.

The country’s esports athletes have scored notable victories in the global stage. Most recently in the 2023 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the Philippines’ men and women team clinched gold and silver medals in the multiplayer online game Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.

Related Tags

mobile legends bang bang Martin Romualdez Unity League e-sports
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