HB01285: NATIONAL ESPORTS AND GAMING MONTH ACT
This bill proposes to declare the month of October of every year as "National Esports Month". It acknowledges the significant growth of the gaming industry in the Philippines, with an estimated 52.8 million Filipino video game players and substantial revenue. The bill highlights the international recognition of Filipino esports athletes and teams, and the inclusion of esports as a featured sport in the Southeast Asian Games, emphasizing its contributions to Filipino society. The proposed "National Esports Month" aims to promote public education and awareness of the history and development of esports, with lead agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) preparing annual activities.
The impact on the people is the formal recognition and promotion of esports as a legitimate and significant activity in the Philippines, fostering self-discipline, teamwork, and excellence, aligning with constitutional policies on sports programs. This declaration can inspire further development of esports-related degrees and integration into educational settings, providing pathways for youth interested in the digital sphere and recognizing the achievements of Filipino esports athletes on a national level.