Story by Mdpn. Ydzyl Kenn Duller
Photos by Mdpwn. Jexine Ysabelle Hibionada

Iloilo emerged as champion in the WVPRISAA 2026 chess tournament, sweeping both tertiary and secondary divisions, during the competition held at the main library of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo), Inc., April 9-10.

In the tertiary division, Iloilo dominated both the men’s and women’s team standings, with Aklan placing first runner-up and Antique finishing second runner-up in both categories.

Leading the roster of qualifiers for the National PRISAA in the tertiary men’s division are Sairoden Ampatua, Gil Casa Jr., Roberto Miguel Infante, Arnamel John Gallegos of Capiz, and Kurt Kevin Ladot. Meanwhile, the tertiary women’s team is composed of Trina Apostol, Rhea Jean Rafols, Wenseal Kaye Magoliman, Kimberly Colaste, and Reylynn Tubungbanua.

Iloilo sustained its strong performance in the secondary division, capturing the championship titles in both boys’ and girls’ categories, with Capiz settling as first runner-up.

Representing Region VI in the secondary boys’ division are Carl John Villaruz, Jathniel Paul Clavel, Prax Yosef Villaruz, Jem Dorilag, and Carl Robert Magahin, all from Iloilo. In the secondary girls’ division, the qualifiers include Muellene Ymber Babao, Andrea Victoria Balbontin, Crystal Mae Dorilag, and Bless Angel Caraecle of Iloilo, along with Jessica Besin of Capiz.

The winning athletes will represent Western Visayas in the upcoming National PRISAA.

Coaching the teams are C/M Daryne Castañeda for tertiary men; Ramon Decrepito, with assistant coach Ronel Ballesteros, for tertiary women; Ronel Ballesteros, with assistant coach Dennis Bernas, for secondary boys; and Mark Jossel Mariano for secondary girls, with Krizzra Mae Gomez serving as chaperone.

 #thedolphin