Pangasinan hosts final leg of age group chess

 
THE province of Pangasinan headed by chess supporter Governor Amado T. Espino Jr. hosts the final leg of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines' (NCFP) nationwide quest for fresh talents at the culmination of the National age-group chess championships held Saturday at the air-conditioned Pangasinan Training and Development center (PTDC) in Lingayen, Pangasinan. 

A total of 226 players from all over the country participated in this final qualifying event of the four-stage competition organized by NCFP and sponsored by Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel with the coordination of Congressman Neri Javier Colmenares of Bayan Muna Party-list group.

No other than NCFP Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. graced the opening program who commended the 100 percent support of the province of Pangasinan in grassroots chess development. He also mentioned the officers and members of the Lingayen Chess League headed by Juan Vicente Sison for their effort. 

According to Sison, the chess league is the most active chess club in region I. it is responsible for the continuous staging of the many year-round chess activities including the Governor Amado T. Espino Jr. Cup, Pangasinan Age-group, Pangasinan Open, Bangus Chess Festival and the Pista'y Dayat Chess Festival.

Meanwhile Pangasinan LGU is pleased with the turnout of the participants. "We are hosting this event to provide wholesome recreation for the youth" said Provincial Administrator Rafael Howard Baraan speaking in behalf of Gov. Espino who missed the event due to earlier commitment.

The Visayas leg finished last January 9-12 in Cadiz City; the Mindanao Qualifying event concluded last January 31-February 3 and the Luzon leg elimination was held in Malolos City in Bulacan last March 3-6.

Each champion in different age-categories will advance to the grand finals on April 6-14, 2013 in Taguig City, Metro Manila.     -Marlon Bernardino-