CAGAYAN de Oro City — Young chess players from Mindanao are gaining a pathway to higher-level competition after placing among the top finishers in the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Batang Pinoy Chess Henyo grassroots program.
The developmental program recognized winners in the boys’ and girls’ divisions for ages 5–8 and 9–11, with all tournament placers earning membership in the NCFP National Developmental Training Pool.
The pool uses standard training modules of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), giving the young players a structured path to improve their skills.
Youngest division
Sabella Rae Sy of Surigao City won the girls’ ages 5–8 championship, followed by Elisha Romarate of Dipolog City and Eu Blythe Pepito of Tangub City.
In the boys’ division, Magnus Carlsen Sanico of Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte, took first place. Carlsen Andres Hapitan of Kidapawan City finished second, while Yoseff Kerby Prada of Bogo City placed third.
Ages 9–11
Roshan Faith Templa of Gingoog City claimed the girls’ ages 9–11 title. Scarlett Yara Donoso of Surigao City finished second, followed by Claudiah May Fabriga of Cateel, Davao Oriental, in third.
Dany Seth Romualdez of Pasig City won the boys’ championship, while Aidh Naveen Munsing and Levon Ysrael Reyes, both from Zamboanga City, placed second and third, respectively.
Support for young players
Aside from joining the national developmental training pool, the tournament placers receive regular monthly allowances from the PSC to support their continued development.
The training opportunity and financial assistance aim to help young players sharpen their skills as they progress in competitive chess.
For the young competitors, the recognition offers more than a tournament finish: it provides access to structured training and continued support as they work toward higher levels of competition.
