The Philippines is set to make a mark in esports with its state-run broadcaster, People’s Television Network (PTV), initiating the Unity League, a local esports division. The league’s primary focus is to foster potential esports celebrities who could represent the nation as part of Team Sibol, the country’s official esports team.
The Unity League’s first season will spotlight a nationwide Mobile Legends: Bang Bang challenge. This unique tournament is universally accessible, welcoming all administrative divisions from provinces to barangays, as defined by the Local Government Code of 1991. This grants individuals from all over the nation the chance to exhibit their prowess, competing in this highly-anticipated event.
Launch of Unity League
Philippines Esports Organisation (PESO), a non-profit organization based in Mandaluyong City, will supervise the tournament’s technical and operational elements. PESO receives support from Smart Communications and encompasses various esports companies, such as Bren Esports and Tier One Entertainment, under its umbrella.
PESO, recognized as a National Sports Association (NSA) by the International Esports Federation (IESF), is also a member of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).
The Unity League’s maiden season heralds with Mobile Legends: Bang Bang as the featured game. However, PESO’s executive director, Marlon Marcelo, has plans to diversify future league seasons by introducing other esports categories like League of Legends, Dota 2, VALORANT, and Tekken.
The Philippine Television Network unwrapped a princely ₱1 million reward, with the top spot winners bagging half of this sum. Yet, Speaker for the Philippines House of Representatives, Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, vows to bolster the reward pool sponsored by PTV. He cited an ambition to motivate all stakeholders, with a winning jackpot of two million pesos, one million for second place, and half a million for the third position.
Seven Gold Medals for Team Sibol
Scouting superior players who can represent Team Sibol in the Southeast Asia Games, which started featuring esports competitions from 2019, is a fundamental ambition of the tourney. Team Sibol has garnered an impressive tally of seven gold medals to date. Romualdez stressed that the Unity League should not just be considered a simple contest.
The tournament is more of a platform for manifesting individual talent, representing local communities, and being a part of a significant cause. Competitors have a shot at becoming national esports athletes under Team Sibol, thereby contributing to the nation’s international triumphs.
The initial Unity League season will feature regional qualifiers accessible to any 18 and above Filipinos. The registration phase will take place in February and March, with specific dates depending upon the region.