Dasmariñas, Cavite – Pinangunahan ni Senate Majority Leader Francis “TOL” Tolentino ang pagbubukas ng isang esports tournament upang ipakita ang gaming skills at makabuo ng teamwork at disiplina sa hanay ng kabataang Filipino.
Ang kauna-unahang “Click na Click si TOL” invitational competition ay nagtatampok sa dalawang pinakasikat na esports games ngayon: Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) at Call of Duty Mobile (CODM).
“Gaming is more than just competition, but a powerful platform that can be used to pursue positive social objectives. Just like in other sports, playing esports develops discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship. It showcases how technology can advance the dreams of our youth through digital education, competition, and creativity,” ipinunto ni Tolentino.
“Related to this is my advocacy is to improve the delivery of basic services, including water, electricity, and internet for our people. Ang mura, maaasahan, at mas mabilis na internet ay makatutulong sa pagpapalawak ng esports at digital literacy sa bansa,” dagdag niya.
“We cannot afford to fall behind in digital infrastructure and services. It is for this reason that I’m pushing for stronger connectivity through the ‘Konektadong Pinoy’ Bill or Senate Bill No.2699, and the 20-percent student discount for digital communication and internet services through Senate Bill 2972,” paliwanag pa niya.
Ginanap sa Dasmariñas Arena sa Cavite, mahigit isang libong kabataang manlalaro ang lumahok sa event, kabilang ang mga elite team tulad ng Smart Omega at Onic Esports.
Ang torneo ay isinagawa sa pakikipagtulungan ng Click Party-List at TNC Group. Kabilang sa mga kalahok na manlalaro ay ang dalawang anak ng senador na sina Tagaytay Councilor Micko at Patrick, na magiging bahagi ng Team Batang TOL.
“Filipino gamers are acknowledged among the best in our region and the world. We are highly skilled and competitive. We have esports as official events in collegiate leagues. It has debuted at the Southeast Asian Games and the Asian Games,” ani Tolentino.
Ang taunang Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Games na inorganisa rin ni Tolentino, ay kinabibilangan din ng esports bilang bahagi ng mga regular na events nito.
“We hope to see the next batch of gaming heroes emerge from this tournament who could someday bring honor to our country. Good luck to the Gen Z gamers! May the best team win!” he declared to open the games. RNT
