MAS lalo pang sisigla ang mga pagdiriwang sa buwan ng Disyembre sa gaganaping National United Chess Federation of the Philippines (NUCFP) Chairman Manny Pacquiao 48th Birthday International Open Chess Championships mula Dec. 13-15 sa General Santos City.

Mahigit P1.5 million cash prizes ang nakataya sa prestihiyosong kumpetisyon na itinataguyod ng NUCFP sa pakikipagtulungan ng Pacman Chess Association, Professional Chess Association of the Philippines at One Chess Movement at ang local government ng General Santos City.

“This will be NUCFP’s opening salvo. Our NUCFP Chairman Manny Pacquiao is celebrating his 48th birthday on Dec. 17 and we would like to thank all the players and clubs and associations for supporting the NUCFP,” pahayag ni NUCFP President Atty. Paul Elauria.

Sinabi pa ni Elauria na makikisalamuha si Pacquiao at iba pang mga NUCFP founding officers sa mga chess players pang madin8g ang kanilang mga suggestions para muling maibalik ang sigla sa chess.

“As NUCFP’s guiding principle, the tournament is open to all chess players. Whether you belong to NUCFP, NCFP, another chess organization, or no federation at all, you are welcome. There will be no federation membership requirement as a condition for participation,” dagdag pa ni Elauria.

“With the support of Manny Pacquiao, the initiative of Pacman Chess Association, and the sanctioning of NUCFP, we hope to set a new standard for inclusive, rewarding, and player-centered chess competitions in the Philippines.”

Ang champion sa first-ever NUCFP- sanctioned tournament ang maguuwi ng lion’s share na P500,000 attrophy.

Ang runner-up ay tatatggap ng P250,000, ang third placer ay majakakuha ng P150,000, ang fourth placer ay may P100,00, at fifth hanggang eighth placers P30,000 at ninth up to 15th placers ay10,000.

May mga cash prizes at medals din na ibibigay hanggang ika- 50th placer.

Bukod kina Pacquiao at Elaura, ang iba pang. mga NUCF founding officers ay sina Atty. Cliburn Anthony Orbe, Vice Chairman; two-time University of Mindanao champion and 2024 National IBP champion Atty. Jose Dionisio “Jong” Guevarra, Vice President; Pacman Chess Association president Orly Ortega, Vice President; One Chess Movement founder Ariel Potot, Treasurer; Mr. Tony Aguirre, Auditor; Dr. Melben Jochico, Corporate Secretary; at Atty. Rey Rabago, Assistant Corporate Secretary.