Besting all six participating regions, student-gamers from Region 10 (Northern Mindanao) have received brand new phones and a trophy during the Palarong Pambansa 2023’s demonstration Esport game held at Teatro Marikina from July 29 to 30.
Esports, short for electronic sports, just made its debut as a “demonstration sport” in the Palarong Pambansa 2023 and Mobile Legends Bang Bang (MLBB), a five versus five mobile multiplayer battle arena published by Moonton, is the demo game this year.
According to Marikina Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro, the Department of Education (DepEd) and members of the Palaro Board are set to review such competition to decide whether to include it in the official games for the next edition of the national scholastic sporting meet.
“The conduct of Esports as a demonstration sport in this year’s edition of the Palaro is a way of embracing the new wave of digital sports,” Teodoro said; highlighting how such sport became a worldwide phenomenon in the past years, engrossed millions of people, crossed borders, and brought people from various walks of life together.
“This is the gateway to the future of sports and gaming, and more broadly, connectivity and technology,” he maintained.
Aside from the champions from Region 10, student gamers from Region 6 bagged the first place while the ones from NCR landed in second place. The other teams that competed in the demo sport were Region 9, Region 7, and Region 11.
“Esports, a brand-new type of athletic competition, pits competitors against one another in competitive games that need teamwork, wits, and agility. It has shown to be a way to advance personally, encouraging self-control, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills,” Teodoro noted.
Incorporating esports into the Palarong Pambansa will give young Filipino athletes the opportunity to explore their gaming passions, develop their skills, and reach their full potential, he maintained, adding that, “The Philippines has the chance to use the enormous appeal and popularity of esports to engage and motivate the upcoming generation of athletes.”
Likewise, the Philippine Esports Organization (PESO), which assisted in the conduct of the demo sport, also expressed optimism on Esports.
“We are ecstatic that Esports is being included in the Palarong Pambansa, this will open new opportunities for our young gamers to showcase their talents and abilities,” expressed Marlon Marcelo, PESO’s executive director.
Meanwhile, the PESO lauded the local government of Marikina for its “proactive stance in adapting to the changing landscape of sports and providing a platform for the youth to shine.”
For the latest happenings in the Philippines that make the world stop and make the world go, visit Traffic Digest‘s News Section.