Discovering talented video gamers in the mold of Efphraim Jueinno Sambrano is among the goals of the Department of Education when the 2021 Palarong Pambansa is staged through online platforms this year.
Sambrano is considered one of the top e-gamers in the country after recently helping a Philippine team grab the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang M2 World Championship title.
Department of Education undersecretary for administration Mark Llego said Sambrano’s exploits is among the reasons why the Deped its reviewing the guidelines for the Palaro this year.
Llego explained in a radio interview on DZBB that Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is among the esports that they are planning to add to the coming Palaro.
“Kapag nasama ito sa Palaro, makikilala ang mga esports players sa ating bansa. At makakakita tayo ng katulad ni Ejhay Sambrano,” said Llego
The disciplines that will be played continue to be discussed by school officials who are involved in the planning of the Games.
Deped officials said the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has compelled Palaro organizers to scrap their plans to hold outdoor events of annual meet.
Organizers are now focused on doing competitions that can be recorded on video with its participants confined to their homes.
Also affected will be those who are joining from the grade 7 and 8 levels, and this because the student-athletes in this category are now allowed to join high school competitions.
The final approval of the Interagency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases will allow them to finally let virtual competitions take place.
If the Games do happen, this will be first Palaro that will be held online for the first time in 75 years.
Unlike in the past years, participants need not travel to other places to join the Palaro under this setup.
Palaro officials said measurable and timed sports are not possible at this time and events that are into forms and styles are in their minds.
