The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has accredited the Philippine Esports Organization (PESO) as an associate member, making it the official Nationals Sports Association (NSA) for esports in the Philippines.

In a landmark decision by the POC, the mother organization of all NSAs, PESO’s recognition as an associate member makes it the official governing body for Philippine esports. Among its tasks would include organizing events, promulgation of rules of the sport, promotion and growth of the sport via grassroots programs and other activities, and the recruitment of National players and coaches.

Aside from having fulfilled all the requirements of the POC for applicant NSAs, PESO’s approval was built on its long-standing experience in esports, having conducted National Qualifiers to the World Championships since 2012.  PESO also has WADA approved Anti-Doping protocols, as mandated by the International Esports Federation (IESF). PESO has been a member in good standing under the IESF since 2012.

The IESF is the only esports organization in the world that fulfills all criteria set by the Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF).  Founded in 2008, IESF is the oldest and largest esports organization in the world, counting 75 members from all continents.  The IESF has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Asian Esports Federation (AESF), World Esports Consortium (WESCO), and the International University Sports Federation (FISU).  Of IESF’s 75 members, 36 are already accepted by their respective National Olympic Committees.

PESO President Brian Lim with the other member countries of the IESF at the 2019 IESF General Meeting
PESO President Brian Lim with the other member countries of the IESF at the 2019 IESF General Meeting

“I entrust PESO on their endeavors of uplifting the Philippines through Esports globally,” said POC Chairman Stephen Hontiveros in a statement. “And I congratulate them on being an associate member of the Philippine Olympic Committee!”

Brian Lim, PESO President, said: “We are grateful to the POC in their recognition of PESO and Esports.  This would help us bring in more support to our fellow Filipinos who are competing globally and bringing glory to the Philippines.”

Jane Jimenez Basas, SVP and Head of Consumer Wireless Business at Smart, had this to say about PESO’s accreditation by the POC: “We thank the POC for recognizing PESO as an Associate Member. Our goal is to continue leading the way to bring glory to Philippine esports.  After supporting Team Sibol in the 2019 SEA Games, Smart reaffirms its commitment to the esports industry by looking for the next members of Team Sibol who will represent the Philippines in the IESF World Championships.“

PESO’s first major event for 2020 is the Philippine Qualifiers for the IESF World Championships to be held in Israel this December.  The search for the newest members of Team Sibol starts this September 2020. Details on the Philippine Qualifiers for the 12th IESF World Championship will be announced through the PESO Facebook Page. TV5 and Cignal, who have been strong advocates of esports on Philippine airwaves, will air the Philippines Qualifiers on One Sports and One Sports Plus. Smart Communications is a proud sponsor of Team Sibol, the Philippine National Esports Team.

For more info on the Philippine Esports Organization (PESO), visit the following links:

• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/philesports/

• Website (under construction): https://www.esports.com.ph

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