The National Chess Federation of the Philippines seeks to strengthen its program of producing more Filipino chess grandmasters this year as Prospero Pichay Jr. earned a fresh mandate as chairman and president of the NCFP.
The former Surigao Del Sur congressman was reelected for his sixth term during Saturday's general assembly at the East Ocean Palace in Paranaque City.
"It is an honor to be reelected as the chairman and president of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP). I would like to thank the officers and members of NCFP for placing their trust and confidence in my abilities to lead this prestigious organization," said Pichay.
"We will continue with our quest (of producing grandmasters) by focusing on helping young players earn more rankings by sending them to different tournaments.”
The Philippines has produced 19 chess grandmasters, starting with Eugene Torre in 1974 and Daniel Quizon as the newest GM in 2024.
Pichay will get a lot of help from new and familiar faces in the 15-man NCFP board.
The other elected officials were former Cavite governor Athena Bryana Tolentino as 1st vice-president), Atty. Ruel Canobas as 2nd vice-president), former Senator Manny Pacquiao as 3rd vice president, Misamis Occidental Gov. Henry Oaminal Sr. as deputy president for Mindanao, former party-list lawmaker Neri Colmenares as deputy president for Visayas, Rep. Carlo Sandro Gonzalez as deputy president for Luzon, Malolos City Mayor Christian Natividad as treasurer, Judge Gonzalo Mapili Jr. as auditor, Atty. Cresencio Aspiras Jr. as chairman for youth development committee, Engr. Rey Urbiztondo as chairman for titles and ratings committee, Bureau of Immigration deputy commissioner Aldwin Alegre as chairman for external affairs committee, Alicia Mayor Joel Amos Alejandro as chairman for grassroots and development committee, Olongapo City Vice Mayor Kaye Ann Legaspi as chairman for women's chess committee and Go For Gold founder Jeremy Randell Go as chairman for promotions and incentives committee.
Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales was appointed as secretary general /corporate secretary while Atty. Norieva De Vega was named legal adviser of the chess Federation.