Velarde's win gives credibility to MES's chess curriculum

UP to this moment, Marie Ernestine School ( MES) in Lapu- Lapu City is still rejoicing over Jerish John Velarde's win in the Kiddies Division ( 7- 12 years old) of the 24th Shell National Active Youth Chess Championship Visayas Leg last July 24.

Velarde, who had decided to accept the standing scholarship offer of Dr. Marie Ernestine Fajatin this school year, has strengthened the school's chess curriculum, which is the first-ever in the country.

“Jerish has made the school's chess program more interesting to the students. During breaks, more students come up to him to play. Even parents and guardians are taking turns in playing with him. So basically, chess is not only around in the classrooms but everywhere in MES. With his win in Shell, students are now serious in playing chess,” said Engineer John Velarde, the father of the nineyear old chess prodigy.

Last Friday, the school gave the young Velarde a “Cheerleader's Yell,” at the school hallway that was witnessed and participated by the elementary students and faculty members.

However, the victory was sweetest for the young chess wizard who tried four times before winning the Visayas Leg to earn a slot to the National Finals.

In 2012, Velarde had his first try at the age of 5, when he finished 56th among all the Kiddies players. He was denied entry the following years as Shell revised its rule to let only seven-year-old players into the competition.

In 2014 Velarde finished 24th, while last year, when the Kiddies Division's age was reduced to 7-12, he finished fifth. Thinking he might get the chance to nail the national slot, Velarde decided to join the Cagayan de Oro Leg where he landed 3rd, still not good for a finals slot.