PESO working on Sibol scholarships as esports athletes express desire to finish studies

The Philippine Esports Organization (PESO) is working on a scholarship program to help its esports athletes pursue higher education.

In an interview with esports reporters following the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, PESO Executive Director Marlon Marcelo revealed that the federation is exploring ways to help current and former national esports athletes earn degrees or diplomas through a scholarship program.

According to Marcelo, the initiative stems from the athletes’ desire to continue their education despite the demanding schedules that come with juggling professional esports and national team duties.

“We understand, of course, our athletes — they also want to have diplomas or degrees na habang off-season nila, pwede silang mag-aral,” said Marcelo. “We are exploring that, with PESO’s membership chairman Alfonso de Leon.”

“Fortunately, gusto nilang makapagtapos, gusto nila magkaroon ng degree. We saw a way na baka meron tayong makuhang diploma courses, upscaling, ‘di ba, para sa ating national athletes,” he added.

“What happens if they retire, ‘di ba? Iba pa rin ‘yung may education attainment.”

The initiative is already in its early stages, with PESO currently in talks with educational institutions, Marcelo said.

“Upon checking, mayroong mga institution na nag-o-offer sa atin ng mga ganitong courses, kahit online, with minimal payment.”