The Philippine Senate held a courtesy call with Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) esports athletes who recently won in the MLBB events at the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA Games) and the M7 World Championship. It marks a milestone moment that reflects the growing institutional recognition of esports within one of the world’s most competitive MLBB regions.
Philippine MLBB SEA Games and M7 champions receive Senate recognition
Through the Philippines’ Twentieth Congress Senate Resolution No. 34 and 35, the Philippine Senate formally recognised Aurora Gaming PH for its championship-winning run at the M7 World Championship in Jakarta and MLBB SIBOL Men and Women, along with the Philippines’ delegation at the 33rd SEA Games, for their “impressive medal haul.”
The resolutions, authored by the Senate Committee on Sports, underscored the high level of preparation required to compete on the international stage, noting that esports success is built on structured training, teamwork, strategic discipline, and mental conditioning, parallel to traditional high-performance sports. It emphasised that this level of preparation is critical not only for securing world titles but also for proudly representing the Philippines at the highest levels of global competition.
Senator Bong Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, said: “Many young people today are already playing MLBB. It is one way we can help steer them away from harmful vices. Some of them have become successful not only locally but also in the international esports scene. As Chairperson of the Committee on Youth, I am very pleased about this because it provides new opportunities for our young people, including opening career pathways in esports, content creation, and digital entrepreneurship. It inspires the youth to develop their talents and use technology in meaningful and productive ways.”
The courtesy calls reflect a broader global trend of esports gaining recognition within national sports and youth development conversations. In leading competitive markets such as the Philippines, MLBB esports athletes are increasingly being acknowledged alongside traditional sports champions, reinforcing esports as a legitimate, high-performance competitive discipline.
“This victory is not only a triumph for Aurora Gaming PH, but also a reflection of the country’s excellence in MLBB and esports, further strengthening our aspiration for the Philippines to be dubbed the Sports Powerhouse in Asia. This highlights the importance of bringing together our sports agencies and private stakeholders to benefit and support our athletes in reaching their full potential. This is also a challenge to the Philippine Sports Commission and the sports sector to always be dynamic and open to emerging sports in the country,” added Senator Bong.
The Committee on Sports also recognised MLBB as one of the most widely-played and globally-recognized esports titles in the country, demanding not only quick reflexes but also strategic thinking and teamwork at the highest level.
Marlon Marcelo, Executive Director of the Philippine Esports Organization, said: “The Senate’s recognition of esports as an official part of Philippine sports has paved the way for enhanced infrastructure, improved protection for athletes, and increased investments. Esports is no longer simply a pastime in a computer shop—it has become a source of national pride, with strong government support showcasing what Filipino talent can accomplish on the global stage.”
Esports as a positive pathway for Filipino youth
Across the Philippine MLBB ecosystem, structured competitive pathways have helped young players grow not only as high-performance athletes but also as disciplined and responsible professionals. Some Filipino esports athletes have been able to support their families and build long-term financial stability through years of dedication to competitive play.
One of the most inspiring journeys is that of Rodel “Ar Sy” Cruz, who began as a street vendor and is now the head coach of Team Liquid. Under his leadership, the team secured the MLBB title at the Esports World Cup, a gold medal finish at the 33rd SEA Games, and went on to win two MPL Philippines seasons last year, a testament to how a mature esports ecosystem can push for opportunity, discipline, and perseverance to transform lives.
Lee Viloria, PH Esports Head of Business Development and Partnerships at MOONTON Games, shared: “Stories like Ar Sy’s reflect a broader reality across the Philippine MLBB esports scene. Many Filipino players and professionals have been able to support their families responsibly, invest in long-term stability, or start small businesses through their careers, not because of luck, but because of structured development pathways, discipline, and years of commitment. These journeys show what is possible when talent is nurtured within a strong and sustainable esports ecosystem.”
The continued development of structured esports pathways underscores how, when guided responsibly, competitive gaming can complement existing youth and sports development programs while inspiring the next generation of Filipino athletes.
As MLBB esports continues to grow worldwide, recognition from national institutions in leading competitive markets such as the Philippines highlights the increasing role of esports within the global sports, entertainment, and digital economy landscape. The engagement underscores how structured esports ecosystems can create opportunities for athletes, strengthen international competitiveness, and inspire future generations to pursue excellence on the global stage.
