Misamis Occidental: The New Chess Capital of Southeast Asia

COURTESY: Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental

A Historic Milestone for Misamis Occidental

In a remarkable development for the province, **Misamis Occidental will host the ASEAN+ Individual Chess Championships 2025**, marking the first time this prestigious international tournament will take place within its borders. The agreement to host this significant event was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on August 9 between the Provincial Government and the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP). The tournament, sanctioned by the ASEAN Chess Confederation (ACC), is scheduled to occur from **November 2 to 10, 2025**. This initiative not only showcases Misamis Occidental's commitment to promoting chess but also positions the province as a burgeoning hub for international sporting events.

The MOA was signed by NCFP President and Chairman Prospero A. Pichay Jr. and Misamis Occidental Governor Henry S. Oaminal, in the presence of notable witnesses, including NCFP Chief Executive Officer Jayson Gonzales and various chess experts. Governor Oaminal expressed his enthusiasm for the tournament, emphasizing that it aligns perfectly with the province's goals in sports development and international engagement. He stated, “I want to support Philippine chess because I believe that with the right backing, our Filipino players can excel globally and have a real chance to earn prestigious Grandmaster titles.” This sentiment underscores the aspirations of the province to elevate the Philippines’ standing in the global chess community.

Building Bridges Through Chess

Moreover, the significance of the ASEAN+ Individual Chess Championships extends beyond mere competition. Governor Oaminal articulated that the tournament serves as a platform to showcase local talent and promote Misamis Occidental on the global stage. He envisions the event as a source of inspiration for young and aspiring chess players, motivating them to pursue excellence in their craft. In line with this vision, President Pichay highlighted the tournament's potential to foster regional cooperation, stating, “This event is not only about winning medals but also about building connections, inspiring our youth, and showing the world that Misamis Occidental and the Philippines can host tournaments of the highest caliber.”

Players from **23 countries** are anticipated to participate, including representatives from Australia, China, India, Japan, and the United States, among others. The tournament will feature a Masters section that includes grandmasters and international masters, alongside a Challengers section for national masters. The format will closely resemble that of the former Far East Bank International Open, ensuring a competitive yet engaging atmosphere for all participants.

The upcoming ASEAN+ Individual Chess Championships 2025 represents a pivotal moment for Misamis Occidental. As the province prepares to welcome chess enthusiasts from around the world, it not only showcases its local talent but also reinforces the Philippines' growing reputation as a formidable player in the international chess arena. With the right support and infrastructure, the future of chess in the Philippines looks exceedingly bright.

The Sky's the Limit: Desmark Pueblo HQ Hits the Final Floor!

IMAGE CREDITS: BOOM METROCDO

Hey there, folks! Grab your hard hats and let’s dive into some excitingTitle: "Reaching New Heights: Desmark's Transformative Headquarters"

Hey there, fellow adventurers! Are you ready to hear about something truly exciting happening in the world of Desmark? Buckle up, because we're about to take you on a journey of transformation, progress, and a whole lot of ambition. Get ready to be inspired!

The Desmark Pueblo

Headquarters Nears Topping-Off

As of September 3, 2025, the Desmark Pueblo Headquarters has reached its fifth and final level, inching ever closer to its highly anticipated topping-off ceremony. This strategic move by the company is nothing short of impressive. Situated in the Pueblo Business Park, this 5-storey marvel is a testament to Desmark's unwavering commitment to growth and expansion in Northern Mindanao.

The sheer scale of this project is enough to get anyone's heart racing. Just imagine the level of planning, coordination, and hard work that has gone into making this dream a reality. It's a true testament to Desmark's forward-thinking approach and their unwavering dedication to creating a workspace that reflects their values and vision.

A Landmark in Desmark's Expansion

But this is more than just a simple building project – it's a symbol of Desmark's continued success and their ambition to reach new heights. As the company continues to expand its presence in the region, this headquarters will serve as a hub of innovation, collaboration, and inspiration for employees and partners alike.

Just think about the countless ideas and breakthroughs that will be born within these walls. The energy and synergy that will be palpable as teams come together to tackle new challenges and push the boundaries of what's possible. It's truly an exciting time to be a part of the Desmark family.

So, there you have it, folks – the Desmark Pueblo Headquarters is reaching new levels of greatness, and we can't wait to see what the future holds. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates as this project continues to unfold. Who knows, maybe we'll even get to attend the grand opening someday! Until then, keep reaching for the stars, just like Desmark.

A New Dawn in Maternal Health: The Inauguration of Sinacaban's Birthing Facility

COURTESY: DILG Misamis Occidental

Enhancing Maternal Care in Misamis Occidental

In a significant stride towards improving maternal and newborn health, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), in collaboration with the Municipality of Sinacaban, recently inaugurated a state-of-the-art maternal care facility at the Rural Health Unit and Birthing Home located in Poblacion, Sinacaban. This initiative, which showcases the commitment of the local government to enhance healthcare services, has been funded under the Seal of Good Local Governance Incentive Fund (SGLGIF). 

The newly established facility boasts an array of essential medicines, medical equipment, and instruments tailored to meet the needs of mothers and their children. By establishing a licensed and Maternal Care Package (MCP)-certified birthing center, the government aims to directly serve the community, ensuring that maternal and newborn health services are accessible to all, especially in remote areas of the municipality. This facility is not merely a structure; it represents hope and a promise of better health outcomes for mothers and their newborns.

Community Collaboration and Support

During the turnover ceremony, Mayor Dello T. Lood expressed profound gratitude to the DILG for their unwavering support and partnership. He emphasized that the success of this initiative relied heavily on cooperation among local officials, health workers, and the community. "Dili ni mahimong possible kung wala mo. Dili ni tungod nako, dili ni tungod ni vice mayor. But tungod ni sa atong pagtambayayong," he remarked, highlighting the collaborative spirit that fueled this project.

Moreover, Dr. Dan Crispolo O. Tuazon, the Doctor to the Barrios and Municipal Health Officer of Sinacaban, reinforced the importance of modern facilities and services in safeguarding maternal and newborn health. His remarks resonated with local officials and health workers, who welcomed the project with enthusiasm. They recognized the vital role that the new facility would play in enhancing access to maternal services, particularly for residents in the more remote barangays. 

The inauguration of the maternal care facility marks a pivotal moment for Sinacaban and its residents. It not only signifies improved healthcare access but also underscores the power of community collaboration in achieving significant health outcomes. As the facility begins to serve its purpose, it stands as a testament to what can be achieved when local governments and communities unite for a common cause.