‘DOTA kontra Droga’ launched in CamNorte

By Melissa Basmayor

DAET, Camarines Norte -- An innovative program to eradicate drug use in Camarines Norte was launched by the provincial government headed by Governor Edgardo Tallado, Vice Governor Jonah Pimentel and Provincial Administrator Alvin Tallado.

Dubbed “DOTA Kontra Droga,” the event enjoins gaming enthusiasts across the nation to participate in a 5v5 and 1v1 Dota 2 Tournament on Dec. 14-16 at the Agro Sports Center in this town.

At stake is a prize pool of PHP100,000. The champion will get PHP40,000 plus a trophy; first runner-up, PHP25,000; second runner-up, PHP15,000, and third runner-up, PHP10,000.

“We urge the youth to consider e-sports and gaming as a way to keep away from illegal drugs,” said Gino Villafranca, Sports Coordinator and Provincial Youth Affairs Officer.

Defense of the Ancients 2 or Dota 2 is one of the most popular multiplayer online battle arena video games among the Filipino youth today.

At least 50 teams are expected to participate from across the regions, Villafranca said. There will be two categories: Local and Open.

The Local Category is open to all participants who are residents and born in the province of Camarines Norte, as shown by their birth certificate or Voter’s ID.

The Open Category, on the other hand, is open to all participants, but is limited to non-professional Dota 2 players.

Those who are listed in Gamepedia Dota 2 Wiki Professional Players or have already played in major tournaments such as The International, Manila Master, among others, are considered as professional players.

“DOTA Kontra Droga” is organized by the Provincial Sports Office and Provincial Youth Development Office, in partnership with Metadaet Meta Wargods Pro Gaming Arena Daet, Zen Xtreme Gaming Cafe, Noxus Gaming Lounge Cyber Arena, Gaming RAW DOGS and AT Productions.

For more information, the public is urged to contact 09981548333, the organizers said. PNA