Philippine Indigenous Games Preservation Act

Senait Offier of the son fretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 26 FEB -9 P1:48 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 1803 Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR AN ACT PRESERVING THE INDIGENOUS SPORTS AND GAMES OF THE PHILIPPINES EXPLANATORY NOTE

Sec. 13, Article II of the Constitution provides that "The State recognizes the

vital role of youth in nation-building and shall promote and protect the physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual and social well-being...". The welfare of the youth may be fostered not only in promoting their educational well-being but by promoting a balance lifestyle. According to a study made by group of pediatricians, play is also found as an essential part of the development of children and youth as it contributes to their cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being. 1 Filipino games or commonly known as "laro" was identified by scholars on comprehensive cross-cultural studies to be related to the country's older culture. Filipinos, especially in rural areas, gathers and shares games in plazas or any open spaces, trying different plays and interacting with each other as part of their favorite pastime, recreation and socialization. Due to rapid modernization of technology, children are more inclined to play video games and watch online videos than play outdoor and physical games eliminating laro as part of Filipino childhood development. 1 Ginsburg, K. R. (2007). The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong parent-child Bonds. American Academy of Pediatrics, 119(1), 182-191. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2006-2697

In order to preserve and promote indigenous games, this bill will direct the Philippine Sports Commission, in coordination with the Philippine Olympic Committee and the local government units to conduct annual regional and national indigenous sports competitions. Further, concerned government agencies shall initiate measures to preserve indigenous games in the country by including indigenous games as part of the curriculum in the basic and higher education of systems and in other means. This is also consistent with Section 17 of the same Article of the Constitution states that "The State shall give priority to education, science and technology, arts, culture and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and development." For this purpose, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. MARK A. VILLAR ROC

Senate Offire of the Sore etary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session FEB -9 P1:48 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 1803 Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR 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

2 Games Preservation Act."

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - Articles II, Section 22 of the 1987 Constitution

provides that the State shall recognize and promote the rights of indigenous cultural 5 communities within the framework of national unity and development. Furthermore, 6 Article 31.1 of the United National Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples 7 enjoins all State signatories to take effective measures to recognize and protect the 8 exercise of the indigenous people's rights, which include the maintenance and 9 development of their cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and traditional 10 expression, oral traditions, literature, design, 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 necessary steps to preserve the indigenous people's 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

2 traditional sports and games or activities inherent to the different indigenous cultural 3 communities that reflect the rich cultural heritage, traditions, or customs handed down from generation, such as tribal archery, blowpipe, sibat, dug-out canoe race, rock balancing, sumpit, sungka, patintero, tumbang preso, siato, and other games distinct 6 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 10 national indigenous sports competitions. The host of LGU, in consultation with the concerned indigenous, shall have the 12 prerogative to choose which sports shall be included in the regional and national 13 indigenous sports competitions.

Sec. 5. Other Means of Preserving the Indigenous. - The National Commission

15 for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples 16 (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 21 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 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 (6) days after its effectivity.

Sec. 7. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is declared

2 unconstitutional or invalid, the portions or provisions which are not affected shall continue to be in full force and effect.

Sec. 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, issuances, rules

and regulations which may be inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act, are hereby deemed repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

Sec. 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines. Approved,