Isabela salutes 5-year-old chess wiz

ILAGAN CITY, Isabela, Philippines — Five-year-old chess prodigy Jodiel Chloe Banawa is set to receive P150,000 cash incentive from the provincial government of Isabela following an impressive string of victories in local and international competitions.

Banawa, from San Juan, Alicia, Isabela, qualified for the incentive after a remarkable four-month run on the competitive chess circuit.

The young player made her mark internationally at the 2026 ASEAN Age Group Chess Tournament in Singapore, where she brought home six gold medals.

Before heading to Singapore, Banawa swept the 2026 Philippine National Age Group Chess Championships, winning three categories and earning a spot on the Philippine team for the ASEAN tournament.

She later won three silver medals at the 2026 Philippine National Children’s Chess Championship.