Baguio lauds chess whiz, German volunteer

BAGUIO CITY -- The city government has lauded a local chess prodigy and a foreign volunteer for achievements in the sports arena and contribution to the Summer Capital’s beautification, respectively.

In Monday’s flag-raising ceremonies at city hall, vice mayor Edison Bilog handed over city council resolution Number 259, series of 2017, to Haridas Burlaza Pascua commending him for being the champion in the International Master Tournament in Jakarta, Indonesia and 3rd place finisher in the Challenger Open in Malaysia, both held this year.

Born in Pangasinan and a resident of Holy Ghost Proper barangay, here, Pascua was a University of Baguio varsity chess player in his college years and represented the city in various national and international competitions.

Bilog also awarded resolution number 254, series of 2017, to Frank Georg expressing the city government’s sincerest appreciation and gratitude for his unselfish and immeasurable contribution to the beautification and maintenance of Baguio’s landscapes and gardens.

Georg, a German-born painter and landscaper, has been volunteering his services since 2010 to beautify some of the city’s famous landmarks like the Baguio Cathedral, Post Office Loop, City Hall including the center islands along Harrison Road, Abanao Street and Abanao Extension. – Gaby Keith