PGNO Collabs With Murcia for ABANSE NEGRENSE Chess, Boxing Tourneys

The Provincial Government of Negros Occidental’s (PGNO) Sports Office recently teamed up with the Municipality of Murcia to host two of the ABANSE NEGRENSE Sports Programs. This collaboration was part of the “Tinabu-ay sa Murcia” Festival celebrated on December 4 to 8, 2023.

The ABANSE NEGRENSE Chess Tournament took place on December 5 with almost a hundred participants in three categories – 10 and Under, 13 and Under, and 17 and Under (all Mixed Boys and Girls). The Top 10 winners and the top female participant in each category were awarded with cash prizes.

The ABANSE NEGRENSE PASPAS ASENSO MURCIA Boxing Festival, on the other hand, was held on December 7, 2023 at the Murcia Public Plaza Covered Court. The tournament consisted of 15 bouts with participants from several local government units (LGUs) in the province such as the Cities of Bacolod and La Carlota, as well as the Municipalities of Murcia, Don Salvador Benedicto, and La Castellana.

Individual winners and the overall team champion were awarded with cash prizes and trophies. Special awards such as the Best Boxer and the Best Bout were also presented with cash prizes. The Municipality of Murcia was hailed the overall team champion with six individual winners recorded.

Bacolod City took the first runner-up team award with four recorded individual wins. The Municipality of Don Salvador Benedicto took home the second runner-up team award after securing three individual wins. Consolation prizes were also given to the non-winners.

Mayor Victor Gerardo “Gerry” M. Rojas of Murcia graced the opening of the ABANSE NEGRENSE Chess Tournament while he gave a short message during the boxing festival.

Provincial Chess Coordinator Coach Leo Romitman, Murcia Sports Coordinator Ignacio “Joemar” Rubaton, Provincial Boxing Coordinator Coach Aden Nietes and Murcia’s Boxing Coordinator Francisco Herida took the lead during the awarding ceremonies of the chess and boxing tournaments.

The ABANSE NEGRENSE Chess Tournament and the ABANSE NEGRENSE PASPAS ASENSO MURCIA Boxing Festival were part of the grassroots sports development program spearheaded by Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose V. Lacson, with the assistance of Provincial Sports Coordinator Anthony Carlo Agustin.

Through these programs, Gov. Bong Lacson affirms his commitment to provide equal opportunities and to implement structured sports development programs at grassroots levels. He is also committed to develop sports programs to inspire and encourage the Negrense youth to be more interested in sports activities.* (Provincial Sports Office)