18/08/2026
August 29-31, 2026
Dipolog City 👍
From Every Region, a Pathway to the Philippine National Team
Behind every chess player is a story that often begins quietly—a child learning the moves at home, a student staying after class to practice, or a provincial competitor seeking the chance to face stronger opponents. Across the Philippines, many talented players are simply waiting for the opportunity to show how far their dedication can take them.
The PSC–NCFP Selection National Chess Championships continue to bring the national selection process closer to aspiring athletes. Through men’s and women’s elimination tournaments across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, deserving competitors are given an accessible route to demonstrate their abilities and take an important step toward the national stage.
The qualifying events will be held in Laguna, Bicol, Dumaguete, Cebu City, Dipolog, and Agusan del Sur. Each location represents more than a point on the map—it stands for the communities, clubs, families, and coaches who have patiently nurtured players, often away from the spotlight.
The Laguna, Bicol, Dumaguete, and Agusan del Sur eliminations will take place on August 21–23, 2026, followed by the Dipolog leg on August 29–31 and the Cebu City tournament on September 26–28. Across eight rounds, participants will be tested not only by their knowledge of the game but also by their patience, composure, endurance, and ability to recover from difficult positions.
Players who earn at least 4.5 points will advance to the semifinals. National Masters and Woman National Masters are seeded directly into that stage, while the top 20 Filipino players in the latest FIDE rating lists will proceed to the pre-finals. Each NCFP-affiliated chess club may also endorse one male and one female player for the semifinals, subject to the prescribed qualifications.
Beyond ratings, scores, and qualification, this nationwide selection gives players from the provinces a genuine chance to be seen. Some will arrive with years of competitive experience, while others may be taking an important step beyond their local communities. Once seated at the board, everyone follows the same rules and is measured by the decisions made across the 64 squares.
These nationwide championships are organized under the leadership of NCFP President/Chairman Hon. Prospero A. Pichay Jr., whose vision is to continue bringing quality national competitions closer to Filipino communities and provide promising players from different regions.
The initiative is supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), led by Chairman John Patrick C. Gregorio and Commissioner Edward L. Hayco. Their continuing commitment to grassroots and elite sports development has helped broaden opportunities for Filipino chess players and contributed to the progress of the sport nationwide.
The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), headed by President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, likewise supports programs that strengthen Philippine sports and help athletes develop their abilities, compete at a higher level, and represent the country with pride.
The NCFP extends its sincere gratitude to the host local government units in Laguna, Camarines Sur, Cebu City, Dumaguete City, Dipolog City, and Agusan del Sur for welcoming these regional competitions and making their facilities and local resources available to the chess community. Their willingness to accommodate the different legs helps bring the national selection closer to provincial players.
Special appreciation is also extended to the coordinators in every host area. Long before the first chess clock is started, they are already working behind the scenes—coordinating with local officials and venues, responding to inquiries, preparing equipment, assisting participants, and attending to the many details required for each tournament. Their dedication and cooperation are essential to providing players with an orderly and meaningful competition.
For the participants, this is the moment to bring years of preparation to the board. You may come from a major city, a distant municipality, a school-based club, or a small community where only a few people know your name. What matters is how you prepare, how you conduct yourself, and how you respond to every challenge.
The road to the Philippine National Team continues across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, giving talented Filipino players from every region the opportunity to compete, prove themselves, and earn their place on the national stage.
