Philippine Indigenous Games Preservation Act

Office of the Suretre TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 25 SEP -3 P2:19 First Regular Session SENATE S.B. No. 1340 RECEIVED BY: Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS AN ACT PRESERVING THE INDIGENOUS SPORTS AND GAMES OF THE PHILIPPINES EXPLANATORY NOTE

Section 16, Article XIV of the 1987 Constitution provides that, "all the country's

artistic and historic wealth constitutes the cultural treasure of the nation and shall be under the protection of the State which may regulate its disposition." Further, Section 17 thereof provides that "the State shall recognize, respect, and protect the rights of indigenous cultural communities to preserve and develop their cultures, traditions, and institutions. It shall consider these rights in the formulation of national plans and policies." The Philippines, a nation of diverse islands and people, is rich with unique cultural expressions, including a vibrant array of indigenous games and sports. These activities are more than just forms of play; they are repositories of our heritage, reflecting the values, customs, and social identity of indigenous communities. From the strategic movements of Sungka to the physical dexterity required for Palo-Sebo, the martial art concept of Arnis, and the combat principles of Sibat, these games have historically served as a cornerstone of community life. They foster camaraderie, physical fitness, and a connection to our cultural identity. More indigenous games such as tribal archery, blowpipe, and dug-out canoe races also highlight the unique skills and traditions of specific communities. However, in an age dominated by digital entertainment and screen-based leisure, these traditional games are facing a significant decline in the new generation of Filipinos. The Filipino youth is growing up with less exposure to these invaluable

cuitural heritage and practices. This legislative measure is therefore essential to prevent erosion of a vital part of our intangible cultural heritage. This bill is guided by a commitment to our constitutional principles and is aligned with international obligations, such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cuitural Organization (UNESCO), which recognizes traditional sports and games as an intangible cultural heritage that must be protected and promoted for future generations. This measure mandates the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), in coordination with other relevant agencies, to provide a unified strategy to preserve indigenous games in the country. Furthermore, it mandates the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to conduct an annual regional and national indigenous sports competitions. Thus, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. IMEER. MARCOS /

Office of the sin carp TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 SEP - P2 P2:19 SENATE S.B. No. 1340 Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS AN ACT PRESERVING THE INDIGENOUS SPORTS AND GAMES OF THE PHILIPPINES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Indigenous

Games Preservation Act."

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - Article II, Section 22 of the 1987 Constitution

provides that the State shall recognize and promote the rights of indigenous cultural communities within the framework of national unity and development. Furthermore, Article 31.1 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples enjoins all State signatories to take effective measures to recognize and protect the exercise of the indigenous peoples' rights, which include the maintenance and development of their cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and traditional expression, oral traditions, literature, designs, sports, and traditional games, among others. Pursuant to the aforesaid mandates, it is incumbent upon the State to lay down specific policy directives to promote the interest of our indigenous peoples and strengthen our cultural heritage and historical roots. The State shall take the necessary steps to preserve the indigenous peoples' games which serve as an avenue of self- expression and promote peace, harmony, goodwill, and camaraderie among them.

SEC. 3. Indigenous Games. - The term "indigenous games" refers to the

traditional sports and games or activities inherent to the different indigenous cultural communities that reflect the rich cultural heritage, traditions, or customs handed down from generation to generation, such as tribal archery, blowpipe, sibat, dug-out canoe

1 race, rock balancing, sumpit, sungka, patintero, tumbang preso, siato, and other games distinct to the indigenous communities.

SEC. 4. Annual Regional and National Indigenous Games. - The Philippine

Sports Commission (PSC), in coordination with the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the local government units (LGUs), shall conduct annual regional and national indigenous sports competitions. The host LGU, in consultation with the concerned indigenous, shall have the prerogative to choose which sports shall be included in the regional and national indigenous sports competitions.

SEC. 5. Other Means of Preserving the Indigenous Games. - The National

Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), shall initiate measures to preserve indigenous games in the country, such as the inclusion of games as part of the curriculum in the basic and higher education system of schools, the production of documentary or other similar means, and the conduct of regular demonstration of such games in the Palarong Pambansa, and in other national sports events and appropriate school activities. The NCCA shall likewise conduct research on the various sports traditionally played by different indigenous groups to ensure their preservation and development.

SEC. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The PSC and the POC, as the

lead agencies, in coordination with the NCCA, NCIP, DepEd, CHED, PIA, and LGUs, shall promulgate the rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act within sixty (60) days after its effectivity.

SEC. 7. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act is held invalid

or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect. Approved,