New CEPCA president bares year-round program for club

CEBU, Philippines - Organize two major tournaments and spearhead a chess clinic for kids this summer.

These are some of the programs that Engr. Jerry Maratas would like to implement in the first year of his two-year tenure as president of the Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association (CEPCA).

In a chat with sportswriters the other night at Chikaan restaurant in Parkmall, Maratas said they are planning to tie up with the city government of Cebu under the leadership of Mayor Mike Rama for their first venture – the Cebu City Chess Open set sometime in May.

The 34-year-old Maratas, a structural engineer by profession, said they will follow it up with their 24th Anniversary Tournament this October.

In between those twin events, Maratas said they will hold a competition and clinic for kids in April to further bolster CEPCA's role in the development and promotion of this famous European boardgame up to the grassroots level.

That is on top of their regular monthly tournament, which has also been the club's bedrock in fostering camaraderie and fellowship among CEPCA members.

Now on its 24th year of existence, Maratas want to give due recognition to deserving CEPCA members who have immensely contributed to the uplifting of the association, the chess community and the society in general.

Being the longest existing chess group in this part of the country, CEPCA is not a an exclusive organization and Maratas would like to emphasize that by inviting other clubs and associations to friendly matches.

"That is one way we can develop and maintain good relationship with other groups," said Maratas, who was with CEPCA founding member Boy Pestaño, and current club officers Jun Kidlat and Jun Olis.

The other important part of CEPCA's calendar of activities is conducting a charity event before the yearends. Proceeds of which will be used to finance a feeding program for indigents individuals during the Christmas season.

Maratas is cognizant of the fact that the masterplan he presented entails financial concerns that is why CEPCA is reaching out to the city government for support as well as opening its doors to private entities who are interested to help the group.

"That is really one of our concerns right now that is why we aim to hold more fund-raising activities to buffer our financial status," said Maratas. "Hopefully we can tap more sponsorships from chess patrons and other companies including the LGUs (local government units)."

To achieve their goals they have set forth for the club, Maratas again egged on the full support and cooperation of his fellow Cepcans.

"Again, I implore your support, cooperation and commitment for us to succeed in whatever programs and activities we will undertake," said Maratas. (FREEMAN)