New NCFP head vows reforms

Rep. Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., newly-elected president of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), said he would initiate reforms and programs that would bring back the nation’s old stature in world chess..

"We want to bring back the supremacy of the Filipinos in the field of chess," said Pichay.

Pichay’s bluperint includes a tournament for titled players, the first-ever Philippine International FIDE-rated Open that will benefit hundreds local chessers, two grandmasters meets in Subic, Zambales and Baguio City and a grassroots development program.

Named to the NCFP board were outgoing president Go Teng Kok, lawyers Samuel Estimo, Edmundo Legaspi, Romeo Seratubias and former Benguet governor Raul Molintas, Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr., Jenny Mayor, Willie Abalos, Casto "Toti" Abundo Jr., Ed Madrid, Red Dumuk and Jess Torre.

Quezon City Rep. Matias "Mat" Defensor retained his post as NCFP chair, Madrid and Seratubias were appointed vice-presidents for internal and external affairs, respectively, Dumuk named treasurer while Legaspi was appointed auditor.

Estimo lost his position as secretary general to Tolentino by a close 7-5 count but he was later appointed by Pichay as executive director. Also appointed to various positions were Abundo as FIDE delegate, Abalos as tournament committee chair, Madrid as editor of the NCFP chess magazine and Mayor as Press Relations Officer (PRO) and grassroots development program chair.