ARMM has already confirmed its participation in the weeklong chess festival,
James Infiesto, National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Southern
Mindanao coordinator and chief organizer, bared during the Davao
Sportswriters Association Forum yesterday.
Aside from the regional team, Maguindanao and Lanao Del Sur will also send
their own teams to the championships.
The event is sanctioned by NCFP and held in close cooperation with the
Department of Interior and Local Government.
DILG Secretary Ronaldo Puno issued on August 18 Memorandum Circular No. 2006-
103 upon the request of Congressman Matias Defensor to encourage governors
and mayors " to actively support… by sending their respective delegates to
the said event".
Host Davao City will field two teams, according to Allan Diez, NCFP Mindanao
Grassroots Development Chairman.
The city will hold an elimination for the top 40 qualified NCFP non-titled
players on August 26 – 27 at the 3rd level of Gaisano Mall.
The top 12 players will advance to a single round robin elimination with the
Davao masters to determine the 10-man final line-up.
The top favorites for the crown are Muntinlupa and defending champion
Tagaytay City.
Tagaytay will be bannered by Grandmaster Joey Antonio and 12 years old FIDE
Master Wesley So, and Muntinlupa by Grandmaster Nelson Mariano and
International Master Oliver Dimakiling.
Infiesto, who earlier vowed to give the players a tournament to remember,
thanked the city government for "everything", especially "security and
tourism".
Cash prizes amounting to some 300, 000 and NCFP ratings are up for grabs in
the event which is hosted first by this city in 2000.
An arbiters seminar will be held on September 13 at the Regency Inn
Conference Hall.
International Arbiter Gene Poliarco will be the resource person in the
seminar which will also tackle chess event organizing as bonus topic.
The reason for hosting the event is to give Mindanao players a chance to
play with the country's top chess players and a chance to become a National
Arbiter, said Infiesto.
Registration fee is pegged at P2, 000 inclusive of meals and arbiters
certificate.