MANILA, Philippines — Gene Poliarco, considered as the “dean” of Philippine chess arbiters, passed away last Sunday due to cardiac arrest.He was 77.
An international arbiter, Poliarco shared his deep knowledge to some of the country’s best arbiters and chess organizers today.
“His memory will be with us always as a legend. In one way or another, he helped establish and direct the shape and form of Philippine chess by teaching a lot of people, including yours truly,” said Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales, national women’s team head coach, who also organizes tournaments on his own.
Poliarco’s death came a week after another chess personality, Fil-Aussie Olympiad veteran Arianne Caoili, died due to injuries sustained in a car accident in Yerevan, Armenia last month.