Saturday, August 20, 2011

whatever happened to the Chess in Schools program?

After a lot of publicity and excitement among chess masters and arbiters as they will soon have a steady income and permanent jobs, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo approved last May 2009 the inclusion of chess in schools curriculum in primary and secondary schools across the country.
Where is it now? I don`t see any development in this administration.
National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) President Prospero Pichay and Department of Education Secretary Jesli A. Lapus signed the Memorandum of Agreement launching the National Chess Academy then.
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo issued the Executive Order to encourage children to play chess in accordance with the Grassroots Program of the Philippine Sports Commission.
"Chess is a game that improves individual organizational and analytical skills. Children when exposed to this game at an early age achieve academically better, or even faster than those who have not been engaged in the game. Likewise, chess is among the activities that help build memory skills, concentration, self-confidence, self-esteem and in making disciplined decisions. Playing chess provides opportunities to practice such values as perseverance, honesty, and sportsmanship," Secretary Lapus stated in the Memorandum.

The Department of Education (DepEd) shall adopt chess as another strategy to promote the development of higher order thinking skills and values among Grades 3 to 6 in the Physical Education department. Chess will continue at the secondary level.
It was also announced that Grandmaster Bong Villamayor shall lead the team of accredited lectures and supervise the examination for instructors.
I believe then that this was the most significant achievement of PGMA and P`Noy should set aside political differences and coordinate with NCFP Chairman Prospero Pichay now. It is for the good of the country.
Mabolo KC Morala, a 14 year old kiddie chess player who wants to be a sports journalist someday sent in this report about the just concluded tournament in Mabolo .

“The Mabolo Elementary School and Mabolo National High School chess players toppled their rivals in the yearly District 4 Meet held at Mabolo Elementary School last August 6, 2011.

The Mabolinians had rendered speechless the four grade schools and two secondary schools who chose to be involved in this faithful event.

Board 1 Francis Fernandez and Board 2 Rafael Nardo (boys), Board 1 Algelline Lawan and Board 2 Mae Villamor (girls) of Mabolo National High School, smash their way in to the top in the secondary level.

Meanwhile, the grade-school team of Mrs. Myra Fleur Salar, Board 1 Kirk Patrick Morala and Board 2 Clyd Rejel Perandos (boys), Board 1 Therese Cabantan and Board 2 Krizia Franchette Ottara (girls) were declared victors without a single loss on the record. Right behind them is the Bagong Lipunan Elementary School, who were proclaimed second placers.

The grade schools who participated were Bagong Lipunan Elementary School, Mabolo Elementary School, Pulangbato Elementary School, Adlaon Elementary School and Mabolo Christian Academy. The secondary schools were Adlaon Integrated School, Mabolo National High School and Mabolo Christian Academy.”

Minglanilla There will be a tournament this coming Sunday Aug 14 starting 9 am at tha Reroma apts. Near Minglanilla Central School. Format is 7 rounds Swiss with 15 mins time control.

Registration is P75 . The top 5 winners will take home cash prizes.

Sponsor is LTO Carcar organized by Minglanilla Chess Club president, Mario Mangubat.
boypestano@gmail.com,www.chessmoso.blogspot.com

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