Maraynon Esports of Dr. Vicente F. Gustilo Memorial National High School in Cadiz City clinches the Governor’s Cup Mobile Legends: Bang Bang title during the Panaad sa Negros Festival. The tournament, held April 14–15, 2026, highlighted student excellence by awarding players who maintained high academic averages alongside competitive gaming. (Photo courtesy of NOLITC)
In Negros Occidental, the message to young gamers is clear: victory isn’t just measured in stars and rankings—it’s also reflected in the classroom.
As esports continues to surge in popularity among the youth, the provincial government is taking a deliberate approach, championing a culture where competitive gaming and academic excellence go hand in hand. This vision was front and center during the latest Governor’s Cup Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Esports Competition, where discipline off-screen proved just as valuable as skill in-game.
Organized by the Negros Occidental Language and Information Technology Center (NOLITC), this year’s tournament introduced a standout recognition: the “Not Just Play Award,” given to the player with the highest academic standing among participants. The honor went to Virlei Grace Quijano of Maraynon Esports, who posted an impressive 96.25 general weighted average for the 2025–2026 school year—proving that sharp reflexes and sharp minds can thrive together.
“We want students to see that excellence in gaming doesn’t have to come at the expense of their studies,” said NOLITC officer-in-charge Cely Carman-Trio. “It’s about building discipline, balance, and purpose—traits that go beyond the game.”
Held on April 14–15 at Ayala Malls Capitol Central as part of the vibrant Panaad sa Negros Festival, the fourth edition of the tournament gathered teams from 12 cities and eight municipalities. The event, backed by Department of Education and AcadArena, highlighted how structured esports programs can nurture both talent and character.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson emphasized that esports is more than entertainment—it’s a gateway to developing critical 21st-century skills. “The digital arena demands strategy, teamwork, and adaptability. These are competencies our youth will carry into the future workforce,” he noted.
On the competitive front, Maraynon Esports, guided by mentor Almae Arquiza, emerged as champions, showcasing both cohesion and composure under pressure. The team roster—Quijano, Elcris Jay Jimenez, Miles Riley Sumayang, Jay Lai Sycayco, John Mathew Porsuelo, and Finals MVP Isaac Alexandrous Osal—delivered a commanding performance throughout the tournament.
Valence Electronz of Pulupandan secured second place, followed by the Celestial Knights of La Castellana in third. Team B8 of Talisay City and Sidlak Esports of Victorias City completed the top five.
Beyond the trophies, the tournament underscored a broader ambition: shaping a generation that can dominate both the digital battlefield and the academic arena—with equal focus, discipline, and drive.
