CAGAYAN de Oro City — Filipino chess players returned from the 24th ASEAN+ Age-Group Chess Championships with 83 medals, powering the Philippines to second place overall in the regional competition held Aug. 7–17 at Our Tampines Hub.

The Philippine delegation won 24 gold, 36 silver, and 23 bronze medals across the Standard, Rapid, and Blitz events, competing against 672 players from across Asia. Vietnam topped the standings, while India finished third.

Leading the Philippine medal haul was 17-year-old International Master Christian Gian Karlo Arca of Zamboanga City, who collected 12 medals — six gold and six silver.

Arca dominated the Open Under-20 division, sweeping the individual gold medals in Standard, Rapid, and Blitz.

In the Standard event, he scored 6.5 points in nine rounds, recording six wins, two draws, and one loss. He also helped the Philippines win team gold in Standard and team silver medals in Rapid and Blitz.

“Arca has once again proven why he is one of the country's most consistent podium finishers in Asian youth chess,” delegation head Grandmaster Jaysin Gonzales said.

Youngest player makes a clean sweep

The Philippines also produced a standout performance from its youngest competitor, Jodiel Chloe Banawa of Alicia, Isabela.

Banawa swept the Girls Under-6 division, winning six gold medals across individual and team competitions in Standard, Rapid, and Blitz.

Several Filipino players also earned international chess titles during the tournament.

Arlan Cabe secured a direct International Master title after winning the Seniors 50 Standard event, while Iana Angela Sotaridona and Mar Aviel Carredo earned direct Woman FIDE Master and Candidate Master titles, respectively.

Carmelita Abanes earned a Woman International Master norm and added gold medals in Rapid and Blitz.

Palarong Pambansa elementary champions Aidh Naveen Munsing and Mica Claire Clar also contributed to the country's medal haul.

Grassroots program credited

The National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) credited the country's strong finish to its sports development pipeline, backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, local governments, schools, and grassroots chess programs.

For Zamboanga City, Arca's performance added another point of pride as the young player continues to make his mark in international competition.

Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Olaso commended Arca for his achievement, saying the local government remains proud of the young grandmaster hopeful's performance on the international stage.