BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The Persons with Disability Affairs Office of the Local Government of Baguio (PDAO) continues to demonstrate that people with disabilities (PWDs) are valued, capable, and an integral part of society.
The PDAO initiated the first para chess tournament on March 5, 2026, at Upper Session Road, Baguio City. Eight individuals with visual disabilities participated in the event.
Dr. Samuel Aquino, Disability Affairs Officer III of PDAO, said that the activity aims to showcase the abilities of PWDs.
“Ang layunin nito ay itaas natin ang antas ng buhay ng pagkakilala, pakikilahok, pakikialam, at pakikiisa ng ating lungsod ng Baguio sa buhay ng taong may kapansanan sa lahat ng ginagawa ng ating lungsod. Kaya po, nararapat lamang sa panahon ng isa sa mga pinakamalaking okasyon ng ating lungsod, dapat ang sektor ng taong may kapansanan ay makiisa, makilahok at makialam,” Aquino said.
He said that through the tournament, they also aim to encourage PWDs to engage in sports.
“Ito ay sinasabin natin na pwede naman tayong makiisa sa mga ganitong okasyon ng ating lungsod ng Baguio sa larangan ng para-sports,” Aquino said.
He explained that the chessboard was specially designed with holes in its surface to help players identify the positions of the chess pieces and the movement of the game.
A cardboard square was also placed on the board to determine whether players are moving in a white or green zone.
One participant, Rolando Bitaga, 57, who has been playing chess since elementary school, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to demonstrate his abilities to the public.
“We are grateful and happy. I’m thrilled that, at last, we’ll be exposed to the public so that people will know we can also play chess. We can play with others like children or anyone who would like to join us,” Bitaga said.
Bitaga hopes this initiative will serve as an eye-opener for the public especially to those who underestimate the abilities and potential of individuals with disabilities.
“We understand that ignorance can prevent people from acting appropriately. What I can say is, now that we are visible to the public, they will appreciate our potential. Given the chance, we can prove that we can succeed,” he stressed.
He also encouraged other visually impaired individuals to face their fears and join the community, which is open and welcoming.
With the successful staging of the parachess, PDAO hopes to organize more activities in the future. **DEG- PIA CAR w/ SLU intern Melvin Pal-oten
