Cepca wants tie-up with Cebu City

The Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association (CEPCA) is planning to tie up with the city government of Cebu for the Cebu City Chess Open slated sometime in May.
This was revealed by Cepca president Engr. Jerry Maratas in a chat with sportswriters Thursday night at Chikaan restaurant at the Parkmall in Mandaue City.
Maratas also said the organization is setting its eyes on organizing two major tournaments and a chess clinic for kids this summer as part of the programs he would like to implement in the first year of his two-year tenure as president of CEPCA.
The 34-year-old Maratas, a structural engineer by profession, said they will follow that up with their 24th anniversary tournament this October.
In between those twin events, Maratas said they will hold a competition and clinic for kids in April to further bolster CEPCA’s role in the development and promotion of this famous European boardgame up to the grassroots level.
That is on top of their regular monthly tournament, which has also been the club’s bedrock in fostering camaraderie and fellowship among CEPCA members.
“That is one way we can develop and maintain good relationship with other groups,” said Maratas, who was with CEPCA founding member Boy Pestaño, and current club officers Jun Kidlat and Jun Olis.
The other important part of CEPCA’s calendar of activities is conducting a charity event before the year ends. Proceeds of which will be used to finance a feeding program for indigents individuals during the Christmas season.
Maratas is cognizant of the fact that the masterplan he presented entails financial concerns that is why CEPCA is reaching out to the city government for support. It is also opening its doors to private entities who are interested to help the group.
“That is really one of our concerns right now that is why we aim to hold more fund-raising activities to buffer our financial status,” Maratas said. “Hopefully we can tap more sponsors from chess patrons and other companies including the LGUs (local government units).”