FORMER Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr. will again serve as president and chairman of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).

Pichay, who is widely credited for the steady growth of local chess in the past 20 years, was elected to a fifth straight term at the East Ocean Palace in Parañaque City last Saturday.

“It is an honor to be re-elected as the Chairman and President of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP). I would like to thank the officers and members of NCFP for placing their trust and confidence in my abilities to lead this prestigious organization,” said Pichay in a Facebook post.

Pichay will get a lot of help from several new and familiar faces in the 15-man NCFP Board.

Boxing legend and long-time chess patron Manny Pacquiao was elected.as one of three vice presidents along with Cavite vice governor Athena Tolentino and Atty. Ruel Canobas.

Pacquiao was not present during the election but has reportedly agreed to his new position.

Tolentino is the daughter of Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, who attended the election as an observer together with POC deputy secretary-general and skateboarding head Carl Sambrano.

The other new officials are Marino partylist Rep. Carlo Sandro Gonzalez (secretary-general), Malolos City Mayor Atty. Christian Natividad (treasurer), Judge Gonzalo Mapili (auditor), Engr. Luisito Ramos (finance chair), former Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Javoer Colmenares (youth development chair), NM/ Atty. Cresencio “Cris” Aspiras (ratings and titles chair), and Jose Rafael Legaspi, Jonas Silvano, Engr. Rey Urbiztondo, Martin “Binky” Gaticales and Dapitan City Mayor Seth Frederick “Bullet” Jalosjos (directors).

AUTHOR PROFILE

Ed Andaya