MANILA, Philippines---PH chess child prodigy Al-Basher "Basty" Buto is an 11- year old chess champion who won the gold medal during the 18th ASEAN Age Group Chess Championship hailing from Ditsaan-Ramain, Lanao del Sur, was awarded 100,000 pesos and a 10,000 pesos monthly scholarship stipend by Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong, Jr.
He has consistently placed in various chess tournaments, and is considered by the LDS Provincial Government as a Youth Role Model for Muslim Filipinos.
Fondly called "Basty" in the chess world is a grade five pupil of Faith Christian School in Cainta, Rizal.
It shall be recalled that last March 16, 2021, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) passed the Resolution No. 356 commending Al- "Basty" Basher Buto for his outstanding feats in both national and international chess championships, and providing support for his future development, during its Session No. 55 at the Bangsamoro Government Center, in Cotabato City.
The resolution was introduced by principal authors members of the Parliament Atty. Rasol Mitmug, Jr., Atty. Laisa Alamia, Suharto Ambolodto, Engr. Baintan Adil-Ampatuan, Amilbahar Mawallil, Rasul Ismael, and Engr. Don Mustapha Loong.
“One of the goals of the Bangsamoro Sports Commission [BSC] is to actually develop young athletes in the Bangsamoro,” Atty. Mitmug said.
Buto is the the first and youngest Bangsamoro master chess player.