Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson opened the 3rd Panaad sa Negros Festival Governor’s Cup MLBB Esports Competition 2025 “Battle of the Champions” at Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod City on Tuesday, March 25.
The pioneering Panaad sa Negros Festival event is organized by the Negros Occidental provincial government through Negros Occidental Language and Information Technology Center.
Lacson said that the 3rd Governor’s Cup MLBB Esports Competition is a proof of our commitment for inclusivity and innovation.
Esports is not just a pastime, it’s a platform for skills development, strategic thinking and collaboration, he said.
He stressed that beyond the competition, this event serves a vital purpose to empower students and Negrenses to thrive in the global esports arena.
Board Member Mayvelyn Madrid lauded the participants for their teamwork and dedication to hone their skills and team strategy. She also encouraged the players to embody the values of teamwork, sportsmanship and passion for competition.
The elimination game started with 36 teams from 12 cities with a total of 216 participants. Best of three matches were conducted to choose qualifiers for the championship round on Wednesday.
The esports competition is a collaborative project of NOLITC in partnership with AcadArena Education, Department of Education, local government units and the City of Cadiz, MLBB EProject, Pocky, Mountain Dew, Ayala Malls Capitol Central, GNET Network and Data Solution.
Winners of the competition will receive cash prize, trophy, medals, certificates, and merchandise from AcadArena Education.
The participants are from the Ramon Torres Ma-ao Sugar Central NHS, Ramon Torres Dulao NHS, Ramon Torres NHS, Buenavista National High School, Mabini, National High School, Washington National High School, Dr. Vicente F. Gustilo Memorial High School, Stella Maris Academy of Himamaylan, Inc., San Ramon Catholic School Inc.;
Himamaylan National High School, Temple Christian Academy, Tapi National High School, Southland College, Doña Hortencia Salas Benedict National High School, San Miguel National High School, Colegio De Sto. Tomas Recoletos, Inc., Tañon College, Inc., Lina De La Viña Valmayor Integrated School;
Eusebio, Lopez Memorial Integrated School, Sagay City Farm School, Vito National High School, Doña Montserrat Lopez Memorial High School, Gil Montilla National High School, Jacinto Montilla Memorial High School, Don Hilarion G. Gonzaga Memorial High School, Rafael B. Lacson Memorial High School, and Victoria’s National High School. *