Mayor Alan Celino Inducts City Plaza Chess Officers

by BENNY CORTES

City Mayor Alan Celino installed the new set of officers of the Roxas City Plaza Chess Association, Inc. in a simple, hilarious, and enjoyable rites held at the Halaran Plaza, Roxas City last week.

The city chief executive said that this is the first civic organization he recognized and involved upon his assumption as city mayor on July 1st this year. He pledged to assist this organization to put up a chess center near the City Museum and to launch an inter-barangay chess tournament the winners of which will vie for championship finals featuring the Sinadya sa Halaran Festival in Roxas City on the first week of December this year.

Mayor Celino also urged the association to apply for accreditation as an NGO in the sanggunian panglungsod in order to take active participation in local programs and activities.

Officers installed are Manuel L. Camba-president, Ben Billones-vice president, Donato Azarce-secretary, Fajardo Olandres-treasurer, Junmar Nataunan-auditor, Aladin Ignacio and Ramelo Villanueva-business managers, Nicolas Basa-press relations officer, Noel Clarito and Romeo Capunong-peace & order officers.

The Board of Directors: Edito Saludaga-chairman, Jose Alabadejo, Ariel Andrada, Engr. Neil Panelo, Ildefonso Borreros, Vicente Corros, Walden Ruefa, and Rommel Arellano – members.

Board of advisers: City Councilor Erwin Sicad, City Councilor Matthew James A. Viterbo, Jessie Dalisay, Benny Cortes, John Mejorada, Jose Aldea, and Engr. Midelo Ocampo. DepEd coordinators: Ronilo Tu and Pio Bengan, Jr.

Vice Mayor Ronnie T. Dadiva’s message was read by Dino Beluso, sanggunian panglungsod secretary. He pledged supports to the aims and purposes of the chess organization in the city particularly in its desire to accredit the association as an NGO in the city government.

Manuel L. Camber said this chess association is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission with Registration No. CN200925358. It has participated in various locals, municipal, provincial, regional and national chess competitions.

Cambe conveyed his thanks to Mayor Celino and the local city officials for their support to the association.

Board chairman Edito Saludaga when asked by Mayor Celino to donate five chess clocks to the organization, pledged instead to provide 10 units.

The occasion enabled many members to enjoy singing through the accompaniment of Egay’s Yamaha organ and his group. The food was unlimited and the drinks overflowing courtesy of Saludaga. /MP