NORTHERN Mindanao lost one of its top chess arbiters and passionate chess organizers when the Iligan City-based Department of Education (DepEd) teacher Arlan Libayao succumbed to complications triggered by a long bout of diabetes, over the weekend.

“With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we share the news that my father, Sir Arlan Lebayao, has peacefully passed away. He was a beloved father, educator, and friend who touched the lives of many with his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering dedication,” announced his daughter Marielle Libayao.

For chess friends around Northern Mindanao, Sir Arlan Libayao’s remains lie in state for viewing at Barangay Luinab, Bahayan, Purok 8, Phase 7, Block 8, Lot 12, near Bahayan gym, Iligan City.

FAREWELL TO A CHAMPION. Arlan Libayao, the driving force behind Department of Education-run chess tournaments in Northern Mindanao, bids a heartfelt goodbye following complications from diabetes. A cherished figure from Iligan City, his contributions will be greatly missed. Photo courtesy of Metro Iligan Chess Club

The interment will be held on Saturday, September 7, and the mass will be at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Tambo at 8 am.

“We’re deeply grieving for Sir Arlan’s untimely passing for he’s a dedicated man, a jolly company, and very active in promoting local chess development. Mag partner pa unta ‘mi pag officiate of a big chess tournament in Iligan next week when the sad news came as a big blow for all his chess friends,” fellow arbiter Lorenzo Cuizon of Cagayan de Oro City told Gold Star Daily.

Leading school-based chess players in the region would remember the 53-year-old Libayao as a frontliner in every regional chess tournament in Region 10 run by DepEd such as the Northern Mindanao Regional Athletic Association Meet (NMRAA) otherwise known as Palarong Pampook.