Southwestern University (SWU) Phinma students enjoyed a day of fun, games and competition during the annual Basic Education Day on Sept. 26, 2019 .

They showed their knowledge, talents, and capabilities and displayed Stem (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education in action through problem-based learning.

The event featured one of the biggest chess tournaments in Cebu City with about 280 pairs of players facing off against each other at the University Coliseum. The 7-round Swiss chess tournament was facilitated by Mark Mangubat, an arena grand master and SWU Phinma’s Chess Sports Club coach, together with international chess arbiter Felix Poloyapoy Jr.

The event was part of SWU Phinma’s initiative called Chess Time, which requires students to attend to a scheduled number of chess hours every week.

Chess Time, one of the initiatives under the Stem-based curriculum being implemented this school year for Grades 1 to 7, is designed to teach students 21st century skills, such as communication, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, computational thinking, decisiveness, and wise judgment.

“Chess teaches the kids all these skills while developing their focus, discipline, and strategic thinking. It is one gateway for Stem education, and our chess program in the school is the path through that gateway for our budding future grandmasters,” said Glenda Roble, Basic Education principal. PR