Avid Filipino gamers can now use their gaming skills to pursue a higher education as the Philippines has just launched its first full-fledged esports scholarship program.
The program is the fruit of a partnership between Philippine telecommunications provider, Globe Telecom, and Esports AcadArena, the Philippines’ premier campus esports program.
The scholarships will be attached to AcadArena’s Alliance Program, a student organization support system that provides monthly tournament support, exclusive league access, industry support, and scholarships to its member student organizations.
The scholarship program will provide grants of up to PHP50,000 (US$1,000) as well as full tuition coverage for players and support staff of universities included in the program.
The program covers 13 universities, as well as their respective esports orgs throughout the country, including the four biggest Philippine universities: University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, and the University of Sto. Tomas.
AcadArena has been hosting collegiate competitions for League of Legends, Valorant, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and Hearthstone, though the scholarships granted by its Alliance Program will be game-independent.
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“There was a lot to balance. We wanted to find a system that aligned with our ‘not just play’ core value. We didn’t want to attach the scholarship to a singular game title. We also wanted to be more relevant to a student’s lifestyle,” said Ariane Lim, Co-Founder and Director of Student Programs at AcadArena.
“The education sector is hard-hit by the pandemic. With students, teachers and families shaken to adjust to the digital norm. Many schools are turning to esports to supplement the lack of extracurricular activities. This is Globe’s way to make that transition smoother and more holistic,” added Dennis Dominguez, Head of Games and Esports at Globe Telecom.
Student organizations and campus esports programs interested in participating in AcadArena’s Alliance program can apply here.
AcadArena, founded in 2019 by esports industry veterans in the Philippines, holds community and educational programs that engage over 250 schools in the country each year.
