PASAY CITY - Speaker Martin Romualdez affirmed the House of Representatives' full backing for the advancement of esports in the Philippines, urging local digital gamers to excel and establish the country as a leading power in the global gaming community.
According to Philippines News Agency, During the inauguration of the Unity League and its first Mobile Legends: Bang Bang nationwide tournament at the Midas Hotel, Romualdez expressed the legislature's commitment to the sector's growth. "As the leader of the House of Representatives, I assure you of our complete dedication to fostering the development of esports in the country," he stated.
The Speaker emphasized the importance of youth, innovation, and technology in driving positive societal transformation and highlighted the potential for the Philippines to excel in esports, similar to its achievements in other sports. Romualdez announced the House's plans to facilitate funding support through the Philippine Sports Commission, with substantial prize money allocated for the tournament winners: PHP2 million for the champion, PHP1 million for the runner-up, and PHP500,000 for the team finishing in third place. Furthermore, he supported the idea of doubling the regional competition's prize amounts, initially set at PHP60,000 for the first place, PHP30,000 for the second, and PHP20,000 for the third.
The Unity League's launch marks a significant milestone for Philippine esports, aiming to recognize and cultivate the country's vast gaming talent. Romualdez remarked on the tradition of sporting excellence in the Philippines and the opportunity to extend this legacy to digital competitions through initiatives like the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang nationwide tournament. By engaging local government units, the effort seeks to tap into grassroots talent, which Romualdez described as the "strongest heartbeat of Philippine esports."
He also encouraged young participants in the tournament to embrace the opportunity not just as a competition but as a platform to demonstrate their skills, represent their communities, and contribute to the nation's success in the international esports arena. Romualdez highlighted the achievements of Filipino esports athletes, including the Philippine National Esports Team (Sibol), which secured a gold medal at the 2023 IESF Mobile Legends: Bang Bang event in Romania, and the notable victories at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in both male and female categories of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.