Neil Cena captures 2 golds in ROTC Games chess tourney

Cadet-athlete Neil Vincent Cena of John B. Lacson and Colleges Foundation (JBLCF) of Bacolod City captured 2 gold medals during the 5-day chess competition of the 2024 Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Games National Championships held at Cavite State University in Indang, Cavite which ended on August 23.

Playing for the eventual over-all champion Philippine Navy, the 19-year old Cena of JBLCF-B got his golds in the standard & blitz individual events, secured a bronze medal in the rapid individual, and dominated the team event in the standard, rapid, & blitz. The Naval forces finished with 44 golds, 19 silvers, and 26 bronzes.

Cena expressed his gratitude to the generosity of his benefactors – Ret. Phil. Marine Major General Andre Costales Jr., Brgy. Capt. Inday Franz of Mansilingan, SK Chairperson Klyne Berlanas, Mr. & Mrs. Bagaybagayan Joan Grace Dalag, Mrs. Alianza, Mr. & Mrs. Cesar Lim; and the support & prayers of his family, ManChess community, and friends.

For tournament director IA Reden Cruz, chess should be applied in real life. A person has to think first before making a move and has to consider the consequences of the actions that a person is going to do. “The discipline, concentration, and strategic foresight required in chess mirror the qualities essential for effective leadership and decision-making.”

“This year’s competition once more showcased how the ROTC program contributes positively to youth development. Through sports, we foster excellence, discipline, and leadership among our college cadets,” said Senate Majority Leader Francis ‘Tol’ Tolentino, the brainchild behind the ROTC Games and an Army Brigade Commander reservist of the 1501st Ready Reserve Brigade. “The aim is to train, motivate, organize, and mobilize student cadets for national defense preparedness, including disaster preparedness and capacity building for risk-related situations.”* (James G. Toga with reports from FA John Eric Abaro)