Pasig City (19 March) -- The game of chess will now be taught among Grade 3-6 elementary pupils as part of the subject Edukasyon sa Pagpalakas ng Katawan (Physical Education).

In one of his first memoranda this year, Education Secretary Jesli A. Lapus said chess will also be used at the Secondary Level, also as part of the P.E. curriculum.

Likewise, it shall remain as a game category in the provincial, regional and national athletic meets, including the WVRAA.

Kim Dumdum, national arbiter of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), said the Department of Education (DepEd) has adopted chess as another strategy to promote the development of higher order thinking skills and values among elementary pupils and high school students.

DepEd's move was promoted by "global studies" showing that "chess is a game that improves individual organizational and analytical skills."

In his memorandum, Secretary Lapus noted that when exposed to chess at an early age, children achieve academically better or even faster than those who have not been engaged in said game.

Likewise, chess is among the activities that help build memory skills, concentration, self-confidence, self-esteem and in making disciplined decisions. Playing chess promotes opportunities to practice such values as perseverance, honesty and sportsmanship.