Belmonte vows support for talented youth as LCP launches ML tournament
2024-Nov-13 16:00
E-SPORTS. AJ Ponce, Mobile Legends Bang Bang tournament organizer, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, and Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez (from left) answer questions from the media during the event launch on Tuesday (Nov. 12, 2024) in Quezon City. During the briefing, Belmonte vowed to support the city's talented individuals, including gamers. (PNA/Marita Moaje)
MANILA – Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte pledged to support the city's talented individuals, including gamers, as the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) launched its first-ever Mobile Legends tournament.
Belmonte, along with LCP focal mayor for youth and sports development and Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, said the competition aims to promote e-sports and provide new opportunities for skilled youth across the country.
"The city where this athlete comes from is our pride and joy and honor that she or he is representing our city. We have gladly supported our athletes. So if any of the winners of Mobile Legends here has the opportunity to compete internationally, at least, I know in Victorias and Quezon City, that athlete will be supported by the city," she said.
The Mobile Legends Bang Bang (LCP MLBB) Tournament aims to bring together amateur players from cities nationwide to showcase their skills in one of the Philippines' most popular online games – - Mobile Legends.
Each city will have two representatives for the tournament.
Belmonte said the competition "is not just about gaming; it's about giving young people an opportunity to shine."
She said that while parental control and addictive gaming are among the issues on the youth's technological use, this can be addressed by ensuring that kids play the game in moderation.
Benitez, meanwhile, explained that Mobile Legends was chosen due to its widespread appeal among Filipino youth.
He said gamers must employ critical thinking, creativity, and real-time decision-making when playing.
The LCP officials said strict guidelines will be in place to maintain the tournament's amateur focus and encourage homegrown players. (PNA)