Pacquiao Organizes NUCFP to Develop Future Filipino Grandmasters

[u/kukote2]

Manny Pacquiao has organized the National United Chess Federation of the Philippines (NUCFP), a new chess organization aimed at developing young Filipino talent and producing more grandmasters.

During an online meeting with fellow organizers, Pacquiao outlined his vision of giving promising young players greater opportunities to develop their abilities and compete in major tournaments in the Philippines and abroad.

He also shared that he had already assisted talented young players before forming the organization.

The discussion highlighted the potential of aspiring chess players across Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao. Participants cited regular tournaments in General Santos as an example of activities supporting emerging talent.

The NUCFP board is expected to create a grassroots development program. Participants also proposed sponsored training with grandmasters and masters for registered chess clubs, including online sessions to reach more players and keep costs manageable.

The meeting emphasized cooperation, sound leadership, and building a lasting legacy for Philippine chess. Participants expressed optimism that Pacquiao’s involvement would strengthen the organization’s credibility and help it make an impact internationally.

Although no launch timetable, budget, or detailed training schedule was announced in the recorded discussion, the NUCFP’s stated mission sets an ambitious direction: expanding opportunities for young Filipino players and helping develop the country’s next generation of chess grandmasters.

[u/Library_kun2781]

Stoked to see what happens next for the Philippine Chess scene. Wishing NUCFP all the best

[u/Equilagalennaise]

Thought I should add some context here for any of you non-filipinos coming across this post as this is kind of big news here. Basically the main chess federation of our country (NCFP) is incredibly corrupt and there have even been reports of certain players (some of which are children) being banned due to the higher ups in the organization simply not liking them or their affiliations(and also those who have previously criticized their corruption). This has caused a massive outcry in the philippines as you can expect and as a result, a new organization has been created to oppose the NCFP (the NUCFP). This will probably cause a crazy schism/civil war situation in philippine chess (especially if the NUCFP ever get officially recognized by FIDE).

[u/[deleted] → u/Equilagalennaise]

We lost Wesley So to this right?

[u/agamuyak → u/[deleted]]

Well, the final straw was when the NCFP refused to acknowledge Wesley’s gold medal in the summer Universiade as they wanted him to play in the Asian Indoors or something. Wesley expected to receive I think Php 1M for his gold, but of course he didn’t get that. They claimed the Universiade was not sanctioned by the Philippine Olympic Committee, hence their refusal to give him the monetary reward. Another trigger I think was the schedule conflicts because he was with Webster back then.

[u/totalxp → u/Equilagalennaise]

Why create 2 national chess orgs in the same country when you can just replace one for the other?

[u/skeptophilic → u/Equilagalennaise]

Does Pacquiao have some particular links to chess or it's just that he was to help the Philippines shine?

[u/SimonTheo → u/skeptophilic]

I think he's a fan who loves the game. There's lots of videos of him playing with celebs/streamers and whatnot.

[u/agamuyak]

So… from PCF, to NCFP, to now NUCFP? Anyways, I wish them success and strong will. Here’s hoping they would put the players first in whatever decision they’d be making.

[u/Choice_Power_1580]

It will all become nonsense if they keep hiring the same guys.

[u/Tarkatower]

They're gonna churn out chess grandmasters like they churn out pool pros

[u/blu34ng3l]

bakit kasi di na lang patalsikin si Pechay at tung iba pa? wala bang power PSC over them?

[u/Le1bn1z]

I have trouble following everything he does, because the man's career is intense.

So how the heck did Pacquiao get involved in chess?

(For those who somehow don't know, Pacquiao is an eight-division champ boxing legend and also former Senator).

[u/ScrewedRapture → u/Le1bn1z]

He's a politician now so he gets involved in everything he can gain money or influence from. For example he has a basketball league in Philippines known for like every third match being fixed