THE Games and Amusement Board (GAB),  headed by Chairman Abraham “Baham” Mitra, will supervise the staging of the 5i5o Triathlon-- one of  the country’s biggest triathlon events-- on  Nov. 4 at Subic Bay, Olongapo.

Top foreign and local triathletes are expected to see action in the swim-bike-run competition that will start at ACEA Beach,  traverse San Bernardino  Toad to Argonaut Highway and end at Remy Field.

“The 515o Triathlon will now be under GAB supervision. This will not only legitimize the triathlon competition in the country   but will also  ensure protection of both athletes and promoters,”  said Mitra in a statememt to the Tabloid Organization in Philippine Sports (TOPS).

Mitra and GAB Commissioners Eduard Trinidad and Mar Masanguid earlier signed a resolution putting triathlon as one of the professional sports under GAB supervision.

“Triathlon, as provided in the resolution, is one of multi-sports endueance comoetitions held in the country. It is listed along with other  endurance sports, such as marathon, duathlon, walking, cycling and swimming,”  explained Mitra.

Mitra, a three-term lawmaker from Palawan, said professional athletes under GAB are also subject to medical as well as medical requirements.

“GAB is united with the administration of President Duterte to promote a drug-free country, with drug testing as one of its strict requirements in the issuance of professional licenses,”  said Mitra.

Licenses and game permit payments in turn provide additional funds for the government.

Meanwhile, GAB set up an inter-active booth during the recent Electronic Sports and Gaming Summit (ESGS ) 2018  at the SMX Convention Center  in Pasay City last Oct. 26-28.

GAB said the summit was a good venue for sharing and sisseminating  information regarding the  newly-adopted rules and regulations on e-sports in the country.

Likewise, the summit served  as an opportunity to educate esports stakeholders , including e-sports athletes, managers coaches and organizers  on the requirements as well as the benefits of  securing professional licenses and permits from GAB.

The Philippines has become a major destination of e-sports tournaments lately.

Future e-sports tournaments are expected  not only to promote tourism, with foreign participants comi ng ito the country, but also to increase revenue shares of the government.