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Manny Pacquiao becomes chairman of the National United Chess Federation of the Philippines, aiming to produce more Filipino chess grandmasters with support from Wesley So.
Boxing icon and chess enthusiast Manny Pacquiao has taken a leading role in a new effort to develop more Filipino chess grandmasters. On Saturday, the newly formed National United Chess Federation of the Philippines (NUCFP) installed Pacquiao as its chairman. The group, backed by individuals from various sectors, aims to unify the chess community and elevate the sport in the country.
Pacquiao Aims to Unify Chess Community
Pacquiao said he wants to leave a lasting legacy for the sport he loves. He stated that the first step is to unify the community, adding that the country has abundant talent but athletes have voiced frustrations. He expressed a desire to help and contribute to solving the issues that have hindered chess development.
The NUCFP has already received significant backing from the chess community, which has long awaited change. Filipino super grandmaster Wesley So, who now plays for the US chess federation, has pledged his support to the new group. So said he is willing to assist in whatever capacity is needed.
Other titled players, including Grandmasters Rogelio Barcenilla Jr., Julio Catalino Sadorra, and John Paul Gomez, along with dozens of others, have also signaled their intention to contribute to the chess community and address its problems.
Background of Philippine Chess Stagnation
Many Filipino chess players have left the country for better opportunities abroad, a trend that has contributed to the stagnation of local chess development. So is among those who sought greener pastures elsewhere. He has openly blamed corruption as the main culprit behind the lack of progress in Philippine chess.
The Cavite-born So was forced to change federations after his gold medal win at the 2013 World University Games in Kazan was met with indifference by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP). That was the last time So represented the country internationally.
In 2011, Oliver Barbosa and Richard Bitoon became the last grandmasters produced by the NCFP. More recently, GM Daniel Quizon was awarded the grandmaster title in 2024. However, much of his success was credited to the late Rep. Pidi Barzaga, who funded Quizon's training in Dasmarinas, Cavite, as well as his tournaments abroad.
Pacquiao's Role and Future Plans
Pacquiao declined to accept the position of vice president offered by the NCFP, where he was elected in absentia. The NCFP is currently led by longtime president and chairman Prospero Pichay Jr. Instead, Pacquiao has thrown his weight behind the NUCFP, which seeks to bring about meaningful change.
His own Pacman Chess Association (PCA) is already holding weekly tournaments in Mindanao, demonstrating his commitment to grassroots development. Pacquiao expressed hope that talented players who have left the country could be brought back to the Philippines to contribute to the sport's growth.
The NUCFP's formation represents a significant shift in the Philippine chess landscape, with a broad coalition of players and supporters rallying behind a unified vision. The group aims to address the long-standing issues that have prevented the country from producing more grandmasters and keeping its top talents at home.
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