One of the activities programmed by the Hudyaka ZANORTE organizing committee was the 1st Hudyaka ZANORTE Open Chess Tournament, which was formally opened yesterday at the 2nd floor of Zamboanga del Norte and Exhibition Center. Fifty-five (55) dexterous chess players from different municipalities, two cities in the province and from neighboring provinces have joined in the tournament.

Mr. Lorenzo Jauculan, President of the Dipolog City Chess Club (DCCC) appreciated the efforts of the provincial government for including Chess as part of the activities lined up for the celebration of the 53rd anniversary of the province. Governor Rolando E. Yebes graced the occasion and personally thanked the DCCC members and organizers of the tournament headed by former Dipolog City Vice Mayor Engr. Edelburgo “Bebs” Cheng for realizing the said activity.

“I hope that one day our province will be recognized by other places for having such adroit players who are competent enough to compete other players in the national and even international arena in Chess,” Gov. Yebes stressed. Chess enthusiasts huddled and crowded the ZNCEC 2nd floor the whole afternoon. The two-day Chess competition will commence today. (Abante Zanorte Gazette, The Official Chronicler of Hudyaka Zanorte 2005, Vol. I No.7)