CEBU, Philippines — The National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) headed by its president/chairman Prospero “Butch” Pichay has awarded Dapitan City Mayor Seth Frederick “Bullet” Jaloslos with an honorary chess Master title for his invaluable contribution and selfless dedication to the development of the sport in Zamboanga Peninsula.
The distinct honor was bestowed upon Jalosjos by NCFP Chief Executive Officer GM Jayson Gonzales during the formal opening of the Grand Finals of the 2022 NCFP National Youth and Schools Chess Championships yesterday at the Dapitan City Sports and Cultural Complex in Zamboanga del Norte.
Also present were the legendary Eugene Torre, Asia’s first chess Grandmaster, Janelle Mae Frayna, the first Filipino Woman GM, and
International Arbiter Reden Cruz, who will run the FIDE-rated tilt.
Since he was given a four-year mandate as one of NCFP directors last July, Jaloslos has been very active in promoting the famous boardgame in their region up to the grassroots level.
Testament to that is their hosting of the week-long tournament featuring some of the country’s top young players.
“Chess is definitely an integral part of our comprehensive sports development program here in Dapitan,” said Jaloslos in an earlier interview Cebu media. “It deserves our support especially that it is one of the sports that consistently brings pride and glory to our country in international competitions.”
Looking at the bigger picture, Dapitan Tourism Officer Apple Marie Agolong said chess is not only about sports, it is also of cultural and historical significance for the Dapitanons.
“Dapitan as the place of exile of Dr. Jose Rizal is indeed a very conducive place for an event like this because is it tantamount to giving tribute to our national hero as he himself was a chess player before. He played chess with local and foreign players in all his travels including the Guardia Civil. He is considered the Philippines first chess master. Incidentally, the Philippines issued a stamp in 1962 showing Rizal playing chess,” Agolong said.
Meanwhile, among the notable entries in the tough Grand Finals are Christian Gian Karlo Arca, Ruelle Canino, Iana Angela Sotaridona, Thea Grace and Mica Claire Clar, Jeremiah Cruz, Janmyl Dilan Tisado, Rhea Jean Canino, Shaina Magne Romanillos, and April Joy Claros.
Set to wind up on Friday, September 23, it is the culmination of the three qualifying events nationwide where about 120 participants aged nine years to 17 years old will compete under several categories in the annual activity.
“Our hope in the NCFP is to produce future national team players and champions,” said GM Gonzales.