“IN promoting chess, there’s no better way than developing the sport at the grassroots level with the help of the Department of Education.”
Saying this on Saturday’s opening of another Fide-rated chess event at the Barangay Nazareth gym in Cagayan de Oro City, 2nd district Congressman Rufus B. Rodriguez vowed to support more chess tournaments in the elementary and high school levels.
He also made an assurance to make the ongoing 4th Congressman Rufus Rodriguez and 1st Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez an annual tourney sanctioned by the world's governing chess body ― Fédération Internationale des Échecs (Fide).
“The Philippine Sports Commission under its newly-minted chairman Richard Bachmann is with us, even giving us 50 new chess sets delivered from Manila. The National Chess Federation of the Philippines president Prospero ‘Butch’ Pichay is also supporting our youth-centered chess programs in the locality,” the sports-loving Congressman said.
Admitting that she’s only new in the field, Jocelyn Rodriguez said she believes that the mental game fits well the inherently talented Filipinos.
“It is a battle of analysis and deep understanding of the intricacies in which kitang mga Pinoy dili gyod ma-alkanse. Starting this year, my big brother Rufus will always have my back when it comes to developing chess in the countryside,” the city vice mayor said.
More than P150,000 in total cash prizes are at stake in the two-day Rapid chessfest which has Individual Open, 14-under, and Tatluhan (three boards) team categories.
