Senate Advances Esports and Technology Plan Following Aurora Gaming PH's Historic MLBB Victory
In the wake of nationwide celebrations for Aurora Gaming PH's stunning triumph at the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang M7 World Championship, the Philippine Senate is seizing the moment to propel the growth of esports and technology for Filipino youth. Through Senate Resolution 276, Senator Bam Aquino, serving as chairperson of the Senate Committees on Education and Science and Technology, has formally acknowledged the team's historic 4–0 sweep against Indonesia's Alter Ego.
Recognition of Excellence and Strategic Vision
During his sponsorship speech, Senator Aquino praised the team, stating, "Our guests today follow a long tradition of greatness. You are proof that dedication, discipline, and teamwork can lead to success at the highest level of international competition." He also highlighted the Philippines' impressive seven-year consecutive reign in the global MLBB scene, underscoring the nation's dominance in this digital arena.
However, Aquino's recognition extends far beyond mere commendation. Leveraging his leadership in two pivotal Senate committees, he has launched an Integrated Development Plan for esports and technology. This comprehensive initiative aims to harness the momentum from Aurora Gaming PH's victory to foster broader societal benefits.
Educational and Economic Initiatives
Under the Committee on Education, Aquino is working to legitimize esports as a viable pathway for academic and character development. Key proposals include:
- Encouraging universities to offer scholarships for digital athletes, similar to those provided for traditional sports like basketball.
- Pushing for esports to become a permanent medal event in the Palarong Pambansa, promoting strategic thinking and teamwork in schools nationwide.
Through the Committee on Science and Technology, the focus shifts to building robust digital infrastructure and generating employment opportunities. The plan strengthens the existing Video Game Development Roadmap by:
- Providing incentives for local developers to create world-class games, aiming to transition the Philippines from being mere "players" to becoming "creators" in the global gaming industry.
- Emphasizing the critical need for high-speed internet access to ensure cyber-athletes remain globally competitive.
Esports as a National Priority
Senator Aquino, who played a key role in establishing the Philippine Esports Association, views the industry as the next frontier for Filipino employment, comparable to the BPO sector's rise two decades ago. He remarked, "The victory of Aurora Gaming PH highlights the skill, strength, and global competitiveness of Filipino esports athletes. This win further strengthens the reputation of the Philippines as a leading nation in esports."
He also noted that esports has gained recognition from the International Olympic Committee, which places cyber athletes on par with traditional athletes, transforming it from a casual pastime into a strategic national priority. Aquino added, "The support has to be there from the government, from the private sector, and from the citizens. We supported our best athletes in the past, like Manny Pacquiao. I hope efforts like this will help players who may not get enough attention or opportunities. We can give them a chance to develop and produce even more world-class esports athletes."
With Aurora Gaming PH's landmark victory, the Senate sees a pivotal opportunity not only to celebrate Filipino excellence in esports but also to invest in the next generation of youth capable of competing and innovating at a global level. This initiative marks a significant step toward integrating digital skills into the nation's educational and economic frameworks.
