Far Eastern University (FEU) officially recognized Tams FX as an esports organization after the Student Development (SDev) granted the accreditation last April 2021. 

In an interview with FEU Advocate, Tams FX Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and co-founder Issa-Gene Medel stated that the accreditation of Tams FX has always been one of the goals of the organization, which started with only five students under an esports team named ‘Siklab’ last Sept. 11, 2020. 

“Still, our objective is to provide healthy gaming for [the] FEU community and also to represent FEU in the different collegiate tournaments, and to become a premier esports organization in Southeast Asia. So those are our founding core objectives. But for now, our objective is to campaign esports for all,” Medel stated.

With the support of the FEU administration, the group was encouraged to create an independent organization that will support esports in the collegiate scene, stepping up from the initial plan of launching ‘Siklab’ as a project under Far Eastern University Central Student Organization (FEUCSO). After rigorous preparations, the organization was able to comply with the requirements of SDev and received accreditation.

Aside from allowing the University to have its own esports organization, the accreditation also unlocked benefits and opportunities for esports players and student leaders outside the campus.

Further, Medel said that Tams FX is affiliated with AcadArena, an organization that leads campus gaming and esports education in the country and Southeast Asia. It provides grants, holds competitions, and gives learning opportunities for student gamers, and leaders.

“Ang impact kasi ‘nun—meron kasing star system sa AcadArena. So, kapag one-star ka… kasali ka pa rin, affiliated ka pa rin. May benefits ka pa rin pero limited. Parang pwede kang manghingi ng funds sa kanila pero very limited… Pwede ka sumali sa tournaments. (The impact [of the accreditation] is---there is a star system in AcadArena. So, if you have one star... you are still a participant and still affiliated [to the organization]. You still have benefits but they are limited. You can ask for funds from them but it is very limited... You can participate in tournaments),” Medel explained.

After being accredited, Tams FX received a two-star rating from AcadArena and got access to bi-annual Globe-AcadArena Merit Esports Scholarships (GAMES). The perks also included access to BoostCamp learning resources on leadership and esports, and monthly student aid and grants. 

“Everyone can join kasi matututo naman (because you will learn) in the process. We're providing support. We will provide training, support and guidance from FEU, SDev, and AcadArena. This organization is open to everyone. Ganon ka-welcoming ‘yung (That’s how welcoming) esports [is],” Medel said.

-Shane Vallery A. Beduya

(Photo courtesy of Student Development)