Misamis Occidental is set to make sporting history as it officially becomes the host of the ASEAN+ Individual Chess Championships 2025, marking a major milestone for both the province and the Philippine chess community.
The hosting rights were formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental and the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), signed by NCFP President and Chairman Hon. Prospero A. Pichay Jr. and Governor Henry S. Oaminal. Sanctioned by the ASEAN Chess Confederation (ACC), the tournament is regarded as one of the most prestigious chess events in the country and the region.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by key figures in the chess world, including NCFP CEO FST/GM Jayson Gonzales, AMOFCA President NA/NM Engr. Rey Urbiztondo, prominent legal practitioners, International Arbiters, and International Masters.
Expected to draw some of the finest grandmasters, masters, and elite players from across Southeast Asia and beyond, the tournament will further elevate Misamis Occidental’s standing as an emerging hub for international sporting events. More than a battle of minds, the event symbolizes the province’s vision for excellence in sports, active youth participation, and global promotion of its identity.
Governor Oaminal expressed pride in the province’s hosting role, underscoring its commitment to providing a world-class stage for intellectual and competitive excellence. “This is more than just a chess tournament—it’s a celebration of discipline, strategy, and unity among nations,” he said.
With the ASEAN+ Individual Chess Championships 2025 on the horizon, Misamis Occidental is not only making a bold move in the chess world but also placing itself firmly on the map as a destination for top-tier sports and cultural exchanges.