Did you know that cockfighting or what is locally known as sabong has been around in the country since before the Spanish regime? One of the most popular sports in the country, it has withstood the test of time. But why is it still so popular anyway? In this article, we’ll discuss the factors that have contributed to the staying power of the sport of sabong.
First of all, what is sabong anyway? You probably know about it already, but as a refresher, it involves pitting two cocks against each other in a bid to see which one is superior. While the fight doesn’t necessarily have to end with a competitor’s death, it is still pretty bloody.
Extra income
Farmers across the nation don’t make a lot of money from plowing the fields all day. While farming does put food on the table, raising and breeding gamefowls provide opportunities for extra money. The more wins their gamefowls have, the more prize money they stand to win.
It’s not just the gamefowl breeders that get to make extra cash from the ring or sabongan. People who place bets on the winning rooster can win a lot of money. This pastime is so popular that Pinoys affectionately call the competitor (no matter the contest or sport) their manok.
Love of the fight
Filipinos love combat sports, and you don’t have to be rich to get started. This is why boxing has paved the way for talented athletes to alleviate themselves from poverty. Cockfighting provides the same thrilling action, but with no physical risk to people participating in the fights.
The sport is usually popular among men, and fathers and sons often bond through raising gamefowls. It takes extra care and effort to raise strong gamefowls, and breeders treat their prized fighters like their own children.
A billion-peso industry
According to Esquire Magazine, the sabong industry in the country is worth P50 billion annually. A columnist from Philippine Star even claims that cockfighting makes as much as P1.5 billion a day. That’s a LOT of money.
Cockfighting has gone a long way from the local barrios. There are cockfighting competitions held in sports stadiums and upscale casinos. This means that sabong is popular even among the rich. While some people like to bet on horse races or basketball games, a lot of Pinoys choose to place their money on elite gamefowls.
The rise of e-sabong
In the past decade, cockfighting has transcended the ring. Of course, elite gamefowls are still involved, but the competitions are live-streamed. At the same time, people can place their bets online. This is why lawmakers are looking to capitalize on people’s love for the sport by taxing it.
In December 2020, Congressman Joey Salceda introduced the E-Sabong Bill or House Bill 8065. This law aims to levy a 5 percent tax on electronic cockfights in the country. He proposed that it could be a way to increase government funds for its COVID-19 response.
Taking care of gamefowls
Given the lucrative nature of cockfighting in the country, it’s no wonder why people spend a lot of time, effort, and money to raise elite gamefowls. If you’re interested in breeding prizefighters, one of the things you need to invest in is their living quarters.
To ensure that your gamefowl stays within their keep and under your supervision, you need excellent quality chicken nets. We at Philippine Ranging Nets specialize in making durable yet affordable ranging nets for your gamefowls. Check our catalog of chicken nets to know more today.
Our affordable nets will help you look out for your game fowls, and that’s why more farmers look to us for their chicken nets’ needs. Check out our catalog of free range nets today to know more.
Know more about Philippine Ranging Nets and our quality chicken nets and poultry products by sending us an email at [email protected] or by calling +63977 007 0228 for orders and more information!
