Capiz chess ace Chester Acuyong earns National Master title

By Eduard Basilonia

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Chess standout Chester Acuyong of Barangay Milibili, Roxas City, earned his National Master title after confirmation from National Chess Federation of the Philippines President Prospero A. Pichay Jr. on June 23, 2026.

Acuyong secured his first norm by scoring 9 out of 11 points at the National Youth and Schools Chess Championship Grand Finals in Dapitan City.

He earned his second norm by tallying 5.5 out of 7 points at the National Amateurs Chess Championship Grand Finals in Tagaytay City.

A standout from Capiz National High School, Acuyong earned his third norm by scoring 6 out of 8 points at the National Age Group Chess Championship Grand Finals in Olongapo City.

Acuyong became the third chess player from Capiz to earn the National Master title, following Capiz’s first National Master, Francis Jocson, who achieved the title in 1999, and National Master Catalino “Baby” Pestaño, who earned it in 2000.

Acuyong’s passion for chess began at age 5, but he became more dedicated to the game at 13, joining tournaments in Roxas City, other parts of Western Visayas, and across the country.

Acuyong was a Capiz chess prodigy and a former champion in the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association meet.

He was also a member of the Capiz rapid chess team alongside Mark Alfonso Azaola, which clinched the championship trophy over 72 participating teams from cities and provinces across the country in the under-15 National Batang Pinoy Chess Championship in Metro Manila.

“I would like to thank my San Beda University (SBU) chess coach, Ildefonso Datu, for giving me the opportunity to be part of the champion team, as well as my former Red Lions teammates,” Acuyong expressed.

He was also part of last year’s SBU chess team that won the National Collegiate Athletic Association championship, where he was named Most Valuable Player of the NCAA chess tournament.

“I am truly thankful for my parents and relatives, who have been very supportive in my journey, and for those who believe in me,” Acuyong added.

Francis Jocson, the first National Master from Capiz, previously stated, “With his skills and chess intelligence, Chester Acuyong will eventually become another National Master from Capiz.”

Acuyong, now the third National Master from Capiz, is part of the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers collegiate chess team.

He trains under International Master Ronald Dableo and Grandmaster Darwin Laylo for Season 89 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.