MONTESILVANO, ITALY – In an exhibition strategic finesse, 14-year-old Christian Gian Karlo Tade – Arca has soared to victory as the FIDE World Youth Blitz Chess Champion on November 22, 2023. A proud resident of Panabo City in the Davao del Norte Province, Arca’s impressive triumph on the international chess stage speaks not only to his individual prowess but also to the supportive environment that has played a pivotal role in his early success.
From 188 participants from 57 countries, Arca’s nearly flawless performance, securing a 8.5/9 score, has secured his standing as the second Filipino World Youth Chess Champion. Attaining the esteemed title of International Master (IM) at the tender age of 14, Arca’s title holds a promising future he embodies for Philippine chess.
Beneath the surface of Arca’s success lies a significant factor that has contributed profoundly to his development as a chess prodigy, his affiliation with Tagum Cooperative (TC). A member of TC Youth Laboratory since 2013, Arca’s journey has been interwoven with the cooperative’s commitment of community development and empowerment.
TC’s commitment to youth development is evident in its fostering of talents like Arca. Beyond the board, TC serves as a nurturing ground where individuals like Arca can grow and flourish. Arca’s parents, Rowena and Arman Arca, also proud members of Tagum Cooperative, highlight the role of TC in encouraging a sense of familial support.
As we celebrate the triumph of International Master Christian Gian Karlo Tade – Arca, it is important to recognize individual success and community support. TC stands as a model of cooperative values, community development, and the realization of dreams.
Arca’s victory not only raises the Philippine flag but also elevates TC’s role as a nurturing ground for champions. In this symphony of strategy and support, Arca’s success resonates as a collective achievement, underscoring the importance of fostering talent within the embrace of a supportive cooperative. Yna Gracelle J. Amores