The Negros Occidental provincial government is advocating for a balance between competitive gaming and academic performance as it continues to host esports tournaments for junior high school students.

This year, the Governor’s Cup Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Esports Competition, organized by the Negros Occidental Language and Information Technology Center (NOLITC), introduced a special award for the player with the highest general weighted average.

Virlei Grace Quijano, a member of the champion team Maraynon Esports from Dr. Vicente F. Gustilo Memorial National High School, received the “Not Just Play Award” for achieving a 96.25 general average for the 2025-2026 school year.

“We aim to inspire students by proving that a healthy balance between rigorous studies and high-level gaming is entirely achievable,” NOLITC officer-in-charge Cely Carman-Trio said.

The competition took place on April 14 and 15 at Ayala Malls Capitol Central as part of the 30th Panaad sa Negros Festival. Teams from 12 cities and eight municipalities participated in the event’s fourth edition, supported by the Department of Education (DepEd) and AcadArena.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the digital arena is a fast-growing industry that requires strategic thinking and collaboration — skills essential for the future.

Maraynon Esports, mentored by Almae Arquiza, includes Quijano, Elcris Jay Jimenez, Miles Riley Sumayang, Jay Lai Sycayco, John Mathew Porsuelo, and Isaac Alexandrous Osal, who earned the Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) title.

Valence Electronz of Pulupandan placed second, while the Celestial Knights of La Castellana took third.

Team B8 of Talisay City and Sidlak Esports of Victorias City rounded out the Top 5. (PNA)