(Photo courtesy from Raisa Treñas Facebook)
ILOILO CITY — The Iloilo City government will celebrate the 75th birthday of Asia’s first chess Grandmaster, Eugene Torre, with two major chess tournaments and the launch of a coffee table book highlighting his achievements and contributions to Philippine chess.
The celebration, scheduled from November 4 to 8, will feature the National Open Chess Tournament and the Inter-District Chess Championship, both of which Torre is expected to attend.
According to a city government report released Monday, November 2, the activities will also include the launching of a coffee table book titled “Ilonggo Chess Legend” at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol’s Jubilee Hall.
The book will pay tribute to Torre’s remarkable career and his role in inspiring generations of Filipino chess players.
Mayor Raisa Treñas said the city government is strengthening its efforts to promote chess, particularly among children and young players, by making the sport more accessible to communities.
As part of the initiative, chess sets are being installed in public plazas, while free chess training is being offered through the Iloilo City Public Library and the Iloilo City Sports Academy.
“One of the things that I expressed is that I want to have chess all over the plazas, which we are implementing now,” Treñas said.
The mayor emphasized that chess is more than a competitive sport, noting that it helps develop critical thinking, patience, discipline and strategic decision-making.
She added that chess also provides an opportunity for families to spend meaningful time together while encouraging children to develop their analytical skills.
During the signing of a partnership agreement last month, Torre highlighted the importance of introducing chess to young learners, saying the game teaches valuable lessons that children can apply in everyday situations.
Torre, who became Asia’s first Grandmaster in 1974, remains one of the most celebrated figures in Philippine chess history.
The upcoming tournaments and book launch aim to recognize his contributions to the sport while encouraging more young Filipinos to pursue chess.
Through these activities, the Iloilo City government hopes to strengthen the city’s chess development programs and inspire a new generation of players to follow in Torre’s footsteps.
