PCCL Chairman, Reynaldo D. Gamboa, declared that the recently signed partnership agreement between PCCL and Mineski Global will provide the boost that will make the Philippines among the leaders in the field of Esports in the world stage. His statement was made at the start of the Planning Session conducted by the merged group to map out the details of the PCCL-Mineski Youth Esports Program (PCCL-Mineski YEP).
Gamboa said that the PCCL-Mineski YEP is “a holistic approach in promoting Esports among the youth not only as a sporting event but as an advocacy to achieve and enhance harmony in the students’ academic and sports endeavors.” The PCCL-Mineski YEP will be “the most comprehensive and broadest in reach vis-à-vis the Esports program in the country,” Gamboa added.
The YEP is a long-term program that includes advocating Esports as a responsible sports activity – just like traditional sports, such as basketball, volleyball, tennis, etc., crucial to the overall development of students in a competitive environment. The program will have in-school activities, like fora on IT appreciation & skills development, talent management, career opportunities, among others.
The National Interschool Cyber League (NICL) is a centerpiece YEP annual activity that will gather the best Esports student/athletes, representing their respective schools, in a nationwide competition to recognize and award the National Interschool Cyber Champion(s).
The NICL is targeting the participation of over 200 schools with approximately 800,000 student population. This grassroot program will facilitate the discovery of talents at the school-level who will eventually be part of a talent pool to be trained for international competitions – in representation of the country. For some, this will also be the opportunity to be members of professional teams.
In closing, Gamboa also stated that he is quite sanguine with the YEP and the NICL as PCCL is no stranger to school-based Esports events with its successful conduct last year, in coordination with another group, of the National Inter-School Digital Games Championships, which tournament was participated in by no less than 195 school-teams. This coordination with the other group expired by its terms with the conclusion of the aforesaid tournament.
Looking forward from the Planning Session, Gamboa sees “the PCCL-Mineski Partnership as a catalyst that will surely rock Esports in the Philippines and eventually, beyond.”