22/08/2026
Four Regions, One Dream: PSC–NCFP National Selection Makes History
At this very moment, chess clocks are running in four different parts of the country.
From Laguna and Camarines Sur in Luzon, to Dumaguete City in the Visayas, and Agusan del Sur in Mindanao, Filipino players are competing in the ongoing PSC–NCFP Selection National Chess Championships from August 21 to 23, 2026. Although separated by distance, they share the same goal: to earn their way forward and move one step closer to representing the Philippines.
This year’s national selection marks a historic milestone for Philippine chess. For the first time, the PSC and NCFP are conducting selection tournaments simultaneously in four locations as part of a nationwide series composed of six regional legs.
More than the number of venues, what makes this program meaningful is how far it has reached. By bringing the selection process closer to different communities, players no longer have to depend solely on tournaments held in major cities. Talented competitors from distant provinces—many of whom have quietly trained for years with limited opportunities—are now being given a fair chance to compete, be recognized, and prove that they belong on the national stage.
The nationwide selection covers Laguna, Bicol, Dumaguete City, Agusan del Sur, Dipolog City, and Cebu City. Following the four simultaneous tournaments this weekend, the Dipolog leg will be held on August 29–31, while the Cebu City leg is scheduled for September 26–28.
For many participants, reaching the playing venue already represents a journey built on sacrifice. Behind each player is a family that found a way to support the trip, a coach who gave time and guidance, or a local chess community that continued to believe in their potential. When the first move is played, however, hometown, background, and reputation are set aside. Every player is measured by the same rules and by the decisions made across the 64 squares.
The tournaments are being played over eight rounds, testing not only the players’ knowledge of chess, but also their patience, discipline, composure, and ability to recover from difficult games. Those who score at least 4.5 points will advance to the semifinals, continuing their journey through the national selection process.
These championships are organized under the leadership of NCFP President/Chairman Hon. Prospero A. Pichay Jr., whose vision is to make national opportunities more accessible to deserving Filipino chess players, wherever they may come from.
The National Chess Federation of the Philippines extends its sincere gratitude to the Philippine Sports Commission, led by Chairman John Patrick C. Gregorio and Commissioner Edward L. Hayco, for supporting a program that reaches beyond the usual centers of competition. Through this partnership, the pathway toward the Philippine National Team has been brought closer to players in Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.
The NCFP likewise acknowledges the support of the Philippine Olympic Committee, headed by President Abraham “Bambol” N. Tolentino, for its continuing commitment to the growth of Philippine sports and the development of athletes capable of representing the country with pride.
Sincere appreciation is also extended to the host local government units and their partner organizations in Laguna, Camarines Sur, Dumaguete City, and Agusan del Sur. Their facilities, personnel, and local support have made it possible for these four tournaments to be held simultaneously and closer to the communities they are meant to serve.
Behind each successful regional leg are coordinators who have worked long before the first round began. They coordinated with local officials and venues, responded to participants’ concerns, prepared the equipment, and attended to the many details required to stage an orderly national competition.
The NCFP gratefully recognizes the valuable work of the following regional coordinators:
Laguna: NA Deogracias Bonggon Jr.
Dumaguete City: NA Antonio Martin Olendo
Agusan del Sur: FA Rockey Pagkaliwagan
Bicol: NA Ricky Besco, NA Teddy Basuel Jr., FA Tessie Relleve, NA Ancel Salting, and FA Genevieve Mendoza
Their dedication, together with the efforts of the tournament officials, local chess organizations, volunteers, coaches, and families, has helped turn this nationwide vision into a competition taking place today.
The players may be competing on different boards hundreds of kilometers apart, but they are part of one national journey. From every region, the same opportunity is being opened—and from any of these communities, the country’s next national team member may emerge.
This is the heart of the PSC–NCFP National Selection: bringing the opportunity closer, widening the pathway, and ensuring that talent—wherever it may be found—is given the chance to move forward.
