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Something
to cheer about Sorry, I wasn’t referring to the 10-point promises made by GMA. I’m still digesting the magnitude of the manna we are supposed to get within the next six years. Offhand though, but I may have missed it, I didn’t hear any mention of the rotting NAIA 3 terminal that could definitely be put to use to ease some of the traveling public’s difficulties; nor any mention of what to do with Napocor, the black hole sapping government finances and about to extract more blood from harassed consumers; nor of big heads rolling as examples or proof of serious war against corruption. Maybe I’m just nit-picking and not thinking of big picture as what is expected from the highest official of the land. But my concern is that if the small pieces are not put in place quickly and on time, there may be no big picture at all to see. The Promised Land could get engulfed by the lava of a social and economic volcano whose eruption could have been averted by timely decisive actions. But going back to something to cheer about. I’m referring to another international achievement of a Filipino in the field of chess, an achievement that made me right when I placed my bet on chess as a game where we Filipinos can excel in world competition. Congrats, GM Nelson Mariano II The local chess scene recently rose above the leadership struggles and backbiting following Nelson Mariano II’s sterling stint in the ASEAN Chess Federation GM Circuit in Bangkok. He is now the country’s fifth Grandmaster. Mariano thus joins the company of the illustrious Eugene Torre, Asia’s first Grandmaster, the late Rosendo Balinas, Joey Antonio and Buenaventura Villamayor. All together, these five chessers make the country proud. There’s unfinished business for Mariano, however, as he still needs to increase his current ELO rating of 2475 to 2500, but that is virtually done as earning a norm is many times more difficult. Adding ELO points is achieved by winning internationally accredited chess tournaments. Call For Private Sector Support Producing the new Grandmaster proves that given the needed support and backing, the country is capable of making a more prominent mark in the global chess scene. Sadly, corporate patrons for sports in the country remain centered on basketball, while other more promising disciplines where Filipinos have proven to be world class get crumbs, to say the least. This was voiced out by no less than Torre himself following Mariano’s feat. Sure, we have local chess patrons that sponsor tournaments at the grassroots level or even – albeit not as regularly – in the professional level. This can bring out awareness and interest in chess, but this is not enough to bring them to world-class quality. What is needed is exposure to the tougher challenges of international competitions. Chess To Earn Dividends For RP Chess is not as physically and visually entertaining as playing hoops or trading punches atop the ring. What’s good and fulfilling with chess though is that it cultivates analytical thinking, patience and foresight that make for a more responsible and disciplined and productive citizenry. Chess is a "cheap" sport, unlike golf where there’s a lot of capital needed to put up and maintain playing links or basketball or badminton where courts have to be constructed and expensive high-tech equipment bought. All chess needs is a playing board, 32 chess pieces, and a mind willing to think and learn. Call it wishful thinking, outrageous even, but with a strongly supported chess development program, we may even land a future grandmaster from those young and not so young persons slumped over chess boards in street corners, sari-sari stores and every conceivable place. During the 2000 Sydney Olympics, the Philippines was represented in the diving competitions by two youngsters who were, believe it or not, discovered while playfully doing stunts at the Sasa wharf in Davao. Similarly, we may have many other potential world-class chess players out there waiting to be discovered and waiting to be the next Nelson Mariano II. Support System For Philippine Chess Needed As I always say, I’d bet on chess anytime. Which is why we formed the Isulong ang Pinoy Chess Foundation, a non-stock non-profit organization aimed at mustering financial support for deserving chess players. Providing resources for the much needed training and development programs is just one of the goals that Isulong Ang Pinoy Chess Foundation hopes to achieve. Would you like to place your stake in the future of Philippine chess? Those interested may send their comments, inquiries and/or contributions to the Isulong ang Pinoy Chess Foundation with address at 156 Valero St., Salcedo Village, Makati City or visit the website at http://www.IsulongPinoyChess.com. Issues Confronting DTI On TV ‘Isyung Kalakalan at Iba Pa’ on IBC TV-13 News (5 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., Monday to Friday) ends today discussions on the role of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as local economy struggles amidst uncontrolled price increases in oil, electricity, cost of transport, among others. Apart from keeping a close watch on the prices of basic commodities, DTI is also responsible for bringing in foreign investors as well as nurturing the growth of local businesses. However, foreign business continues to be apprehensive about sinking in their big bucks. Local industries on the other hand continue to take a beating as it tries to venture in the global market. What is the DTI doing? Watch it. ‘Breaking Barriers’ With GSIS President W. F. Garcia ‘Breaking Barriers’ on IBC TV-13 (11 p.m. every Wednesday) will feature GSIS president and general manager Winston F. Garcia on Wednesday, 7th July 2004. For millions of government employees, their future is in the hands of those managing the GSIS Fund. All those years of working as civil servants add up to savings that can be leaned on after retirement. Which is why anxiety creeps in whenever there is news that the GSIS funds are being misused and not managed well. There were several reports of alleged mismanagement of GSIS funds publicized by media. Detractors claimed that the current GSIS president and general manager was incapable of leading the institution, being simply a political appointee. What is the real status of the GSIS fund? What caused the furor about delays in processing of claims for benefits? Is computerization the solution or the cause of members’ complaints? Watch it. Should you wish to share any insights, write me at Link Edge, 4th Floor, 156 Valero Street, Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City. Or e-mail me at reygamboa@linkedge.biz. If you wish to view the previous columns, you may visit my website at http://bizlinks.linkedge.biz.
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