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  • PSC, NCFP launch grassroots chess program to develop future Filipino Grandmasters

    PSC, NCFP launch grassroots chess program to develop future Filipino Grandmasters

    The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) are joining forces to strengthen the country’s grassroots chess development and create a clearer pathway for young talents aspiring to become future Grandmasters.

     

    The two organizations have partnered to establish the Batang Pinoy Chess Henyo Grassroots Program, a long-term development initiative designed to identify, support, and train some of the Philippines’ most promising young chess players. The program aims to provide these rising talents with structured coaching, competitive exposure, and the necessary foundation to eventually represent the country at the highest levels of international chess.

     

    NCFP chief executive officer Jayson Gonzales confirmed that the program will officially begin on August 1 and will feature 36 young chess standouts from across the country. The participants—12 each from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao—earned their places through regional qualifiers and will now undergo a comprehensive training program focused on improving their skills and preparing them for future international competitions.

     

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    The initiative represents a major step in Philippine chess development, as it seeks to build a stronger pipeline of young players who can carry the country’s flag in future national and global tournaments.

     

    “It marks a historic milestone in Philippine grassroots chess development that would lay the foundation for the country’s future national athletes,” Gonzales said.

     

    The launch of the program comes after discussions involving key officials from both organizations. PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio, NCFP president Butch Pichay, and Gonzales recently met with PSC commissioner Ed Hayco to finalize the implementation details and ensure the successful rollout of the project.

    For Gonzales, who is also a Grandmaster and serves as the coach of the national women’s chess team, the program represents an important investment in the future of Philippine chess. He believes that providing young players with proper guidance and development opportunities at an early age will help them maximize their potential and eventually compete on the international stage.

     

    The Batang Pinoy Chess Henyo Grassroots Program will feature young players from the boys and girls categories in the 5-8 and 9-11 age brackets, giving them access to a structured system aimed at developing both their technical abilities and competitive mindset.

     

    From Luzon, the selected young chess talents are Aaliyan Borden, Alyiah Beltran, Hahn Tee, Gael Navarro, Mark Albert, Orion Paredes, Sofia Saludares, Althea Paredes, Kate Garcia, Marius Constante, Neil Amatorio, and Clyde Torena.

     

    Representing the Visayas region are Frexine Lim, Elisa Johansson, Frida Bernal, Ivan Icalina, Terrence Donoga, Rybarage Entia, Rhian Salud, Lyrah Villareal, Ellysa Maru, Lance Bangero, Allen Albor, and Navi Icalina.

     

    Meanwhile, the Mindanao delegation is composed of Sabella Sy, Elisha Romarate, Eu Pepito, Magnus Carlsen Sanico, Carlsen Andres Hapitan, Yoseff Prada, Roshan Templa, Scarlett Donoso, Claudiah Fabrigia, Danny Romualdez, Aidh Munsing, and Levon Reyes.

     

    With participants coming from different regions of the country, the program also aims to promote wider access to chess development opportunities and ensure that promising players outside major urban centers receive the same level of support and training.

     

    The PSC and NCFP hope that the initiative will become a foundation for producing the next generation of Filipino chess stars, following in the footsteps of the country’s elite players who have competed successfully on the international stage.

     

    By investing in young talent at an early stage, officials believe the Batang Pinoy Chess Henyo Grassroots Program can help strengthen Philippine chess and increase the country’s chances of producing more Grandmasters in the years ahead.

     

     

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  • Philippine chess legend and five-time Asian Games gold medalist Sander Severino passes away at 40

    Philippine chess legend and five-time Asian Games gold medalist Sander Severino passes away at 40

    The Philippine sports community is in mourning following the passing of chess legend and five-time Asian Games gold medalist Sander Severino. Severino, one of the most decorated chess players to emerge from the Philippines, died on Saturday, February 7, at the age of 40 in his hometown of Silay, Negros Occidental, due to heart failure.

     

    Severino’s death came as a profound shock to many, particularly as it followed his recent triumphs at the 2026 ASEAN Para Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, in January. Despite his lifelong battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Severino had just clinched three gold medals and one silver at the games, demonstrating that his competitive fire remained undiminished. He captured gold in the Men’s Individual Standard P1 and Men’s Individual Blitz P1 events and contributed to the Men’s Team Standard P1 squad that also secured the gold. Across four editions of the ASEAN Para Games, Severino amassed an extraordinary total of 12 golds, two silvers, and two bronzes, cementing his status as one of the country’s greatest para athletes.

     

    Born on June 30, 1985, Severino was diagnosed with ALS at the age of eight and spent much of his life confined to a wheelchair. Yet his physical limitations never hindered his ambitions or his love for the game. In 2020, he earned international acclaim by winning the International Physically Disabled Chess Association Online World Championship, officially becoming a world chess champion and further solidifying his legacy as a trailblazer in para chess.

     

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    Severino’s passing has sent ripples through the Philippine chess and para sports communities, with heartfelt tributes pouring in from teammates, coaches, and fellow athletes.

    “You will forever live in our hearts — in every move we make, in every fight we continue, and in every victory we dedicate to the team you loved so dearly. His courage, dedication, and love for the game live on in every move we make and every battle we face for the country. He may be gone, but his legacy remains — guiding us, strengthening us, and reminding us why we play,” wrote Philippine para chess team head coach James Infiesto, capturing the collective grief and admiration of the team.

     

    Severino’s longtime chess teammate Henry Lopez also shared his grief, recalling decades of memories together. “Gone too soon. I can’t believe that you are gone, Sander Severino. Too many memories together in more than 25 years of being my teammate since the year 2000. You are the best teammate ever. Thanks for the memories. Rest in the arms of the Almighty,” Lopez said.

     

    Paralympic swimmer Ernie Gawilan added his tribute, highlighting Severino’s impact beyond chess. “Thank you, kuya Sander Severino. It’s an honor to be part of the national team with you. I didn’t know that the ASEAN Para Games would be the last time we would meet. RIP kuya,” Gawilan wrote.

     

    Severino’s life and career were a testament to resilience, determination, and the unbreakable human spirit. Despite living with a debilitating condition, he became an icon of Philippine para sports and a source of inspiration for athletes across disciplines. His contributions went beyond his medal tally; he helped elevate para chess in the country, inspired younger players, and showed that limitations do not define one’s potential.

     

    In recognition of his achievements and enduring legacy, Severino will be posthumously honored at the Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards Night, scheduled for February 16 at the Diamond Hotel in Manila. The tribute will celebrate not only his exceptional career but also his profound influence on Philippine sports and the para-athlete community.

     

    As the nation mourns, Sander Severino leaves behind a legacy that transcends chess — one of courage, perseverance, and inspiration that will continue to guide future generations of Filipino athletes.

     

     

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