WITH three schools already assured of joining the tournament, the ninth season of the Cordillera Higher Education Sports Athletic Association (Chesaa) opens at the Easter College Gym on September 3.
More schools are being eyed to join the nine year old collegiate league after the inclusion of King's College of the Philippines (formerly known as Eastern Luzon Colleges), BVS Colleges and MontaƱosa National College.
"We are still encouraging other tertiary institutions in the region to join the association and deadline for the submission of intent is on August 12," said Vladimir Cayabas of host NIIT Baguio.
Twelve events were lined up for the first semester which include volleyball - men and women, cheer dance, literary and music, chess - men and women, scrabble - men and women, billiards - men and women, dance sports, quiz bee, modern dance, darts - men and women, bowling (for the technical and executive members only) and an exhibition match in softball.
Baguio Mayor Mauricio Domogan will grace the affair as the guest of honor and speaker during the opening rites.
"Joining us will mean a success not only to the current member institutions but more significantly is the realization of the association's objective of promoting students' welfare through good bonding and synergy among the schools in the Cordillera," Cayabas said.
He added screening for athletes who will see action in the upcoming Chessa will be on August 24 as the NIIT administrator assured participants of strict measures in screening athletes to avoid a repeat of last year's incident where some schools fielded players who are not enrolled.
A one year residency will be applied on transferees while a one semester residency will take effect for returning Chesaa players who have stopped schooling.
Cayabas added players coming from the Baguio-Benguet Educational Athletic League who have transferred to a Chesaa participating school will not be allowed to play despite earning the required residency.