The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has formalized the accreditation of Philippine Electronic Sports Organization (PESO) as the official National Sports Association for Esports in the Philippines.

In a certificate issued on October 9, 2020, the POC declares PESO as an associate member of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) – Philippine Olympic Committee.

“As such, PESO is the sole recognized National Sports Association and governing body for the sport of ESPORTS in the Philippines,” the certificate reads.

Signed by POC Secretary General Atty. Edwin B. Gastanes, the certificate also bears the names of PESO officials serving a term of two years from their election last February 2019: Brian Benjamin Lim, President; Eric Redulfin, Vice President; Jess Tamboboy, Secretary General; and Michael Gatchalian, Corporate Secretary.

Pushing the growth of Philippine Esports

“We are honored and grateful for the trust that the POC placed in us. We embrace this huge responsibility as we continue to support our athletes and push the growth and development of Esports in the country,” said PESO President Brian Lim.

“We also echo POC’s call for unity among esports groups and communities as we all share the same goal to showcase the skills and abilities of Filipino gamers in the world arena and ultimately bring glory to our country,” he adds.

PESO went through a rigorous accreditation process by the POC, which took into consideration its years of experience in organizing esport events and programs, as well as its linkages with reputable esport organizations.

PESO, whose member-organizations include Bren Esports, Gariath Concepts, Mineski Philippines, The Nationals, PlayBook Esports, Tier One Entertainment, TV5, and TNC Holdings, pushed and supported the successful debut of esports as a medal event in the 30th SEA Games last year.

For the biennial multi-sports event, PESO members worked as the National Technical Officials (NTOs) of the tournament and was involved in co-producing and streaming the event for participating countries. PESO members also provided the coaching and management staff for Team Sibol, the Philippine National Esports Team.

Clear and transparent structure of esports globally

Since 2012, PESO has been a member in good standing of the International Esports Federation (IESF), the world’s oldest and largest esports organization with 82 members from Africa, America, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Of these members, 36 are already accepted by their respective National Olympic Committees.

Last March, IESF and Asian Esports Federation (AESF) signed a milestone agreement to promote and advance esports globally, and across the Asian continent.

Under the agreement, the IESF recognizes the AESF as the sole federation for esports in Asia, while the AESF recognizes IESF as the sole federation for esports on the international level.

According to an official release by the IESF about the landmark event, the agreement also “unites in one umbrella all member associations and federations, thereby confirming a clear and transparent structure of esports globally.”

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) recognizes both the IESF and the AESF as the sports federation for esports.