22 September 2014 - Philippine Consul General Marichu Mauro with Mr. Virgilio Vuelban, President of the Filipino European Migrants International Chess Academy (FEMICA) based in Rome, discussed plans on September 18 to launch FEMICA in Milan and Northern Italy with the objective of promoting the academic and social benefits that the game of chess can bring to children and accelerate their learning and educational development process.

Mr. Vuelban is an International Master who is a certified chess trainer, chess promoter and an experienced professional player. He has devoted more than 8 years of his time to chess in Europe, mainly based in Rome, Italy, where he has established relations with both Italian and Filipino chess enthusiasts.  FEMICA is affiliated with the National Chess Federation of the Philippines.

“Chess is a very good sport for Filipino children because it helps them acquire discipline, foster their competitive spirit and mold their characters to become productive members of societies”,  remarked Consul General Mauro. END