Philippine Indigenous Games Preservation Act

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session JUL 17 P3:56 SENATE RECEI S. No. - Introduced by Senator MANUEL "LITO" M. LAPID AN ACT PRESERVING THE INDIGENOUS GAMES OF THE PHILIPPINES, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE Indigenous games hold a significant place in the cultural tapestry of the Philippines, representing the rich heritage, unique traditions, and communal bonds that have defined our nation for centuries. This bill seeks to recognize, document, and safeguard these valuable cultural treasures for current and future generations. This measure underscores the importance of preserving and promoting indigenous games, not merely as pastimes but as essential elements of our national identity and social cohesion. The indigenous games of the Philippines encompass a wide array of traditional pastimes, often passed down through generations by word of mouth and practical demonstration. These games, deeply rooted in our ancestral communities, are not just forms of entertainment; they are repositories of our history, values, and unique ways of life. Indigenous games have historically played a central role in binding communities together. They promote cooperation, camaraderie, and social cohesion. By preserving and reviving these games, we can strengthen the bonds within and between communities, fostering a sense of belonging and shared heritage.

This measure acknowledges the profound importance of preserving and promoting the indigenous games of the Philippines. By recognizing these games as vital components of our national identity, cultural diversity, and community bonds, we not only ensure their survival but also celebrate the rich tapestry of Filipino culture. This representation is confident that its passage will contribute to a stronger, more culturally aware, and united Philippines. In view of the foregoing, early passage of this bill is sought. Senator

wear oft. TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 JUL 17 P3:56 SENATE RECEND E S. No. _ Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid AN ACT PRESERVING THE INDIGENOUS GAMES OF THE PHILIPPINES, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR Be it enacted by the Senate and the 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 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 10 enjoins all State signatories to take effective measures to recognize and protect the exercise of the indigenous peoples' rights which include the maintenance, control, and development of their cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and expression, oral 13 traditions, literatures, designs, sports, and traditional games. It is thus incumbent upon the State to lay down specific policy directives to 15 promote the interest of our indigenous peoples, preserve our cultural heritage, and help our people connect with our historical roots. The State shall take the necessary 17 steps to preserve the indigenous peoples' games which serve as the best avenue for their self-expression, and for promoting peace, harmony, goodwill, and camaraderie.

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

traditional sports and games distinctly connected and rooted in the traditions, customs, and practices, and reflect the rich cultural heritage of the different indigenous cultural communities or indigenous peoples, handed down from generation to generation such as bunong braso, ginnuyudan, hilahang lubid, kadang-kadang, karera sa sako, luksong-tinik, patintero, syato, unggoy-unggoyan. These include games played by the indigenous communities, usually accompanied by indigenous materials and implements, in observance of indigenous peoples' rituals, celebration of cultural festivals, socialization, entertainment, and competition.

SEC. 4. Indigenous Games Manual Office. - There shall be created an

Indigenous Games Manual Office within the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) which shall have the following functions: 1. Prepare a continuing list of indigenous games; 2. Produce videos, diagrams, and manuals providing the rules and instructions as to how the games are played, as well as demonstrations of the gameplay; and 3. Establish and maintain online access to videos, diagrams, and manuals on indigenous games. The Indigenous Games Manual Office shall work with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and conduct consultations with indigenous cultural communities or indigenous peoples in the preparation of the manual to ensure that the indigenous games are properly documented and preserved.

SEC. 5. Annual Regional and National Indigenous Sports Competitions. - The

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) shall, in coordination with the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), NCIP, and the local government units (LGUs), conduct annual regional and national indigenous sports competitions. The host LGU shall, in coordination and consultation with the concerned indigenous cultural communities or indigenous peoples, identify which games or sports events shall be included in the regional and national indigenous sports competitions.

SEC. 6. Other Means of Preserving the Indigenous Games. The NCIP and the

shall, in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the PSC, POC, LGUs, and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), initiate measures to preserve indigenous games in the country, such as the inclusion of indigenous games as part of the curriculum and other appropriate school activities in the basic and higher education system, the production of documentary and other materials on indigenous games, and the conduct of regular demonstration 8 of such games in the Palarong Pambansa and in other national sports events.

SEC. 7. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the implementation of this

10 Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The PSC and the NCIP as the

lead agencies shall, in coordination with the POC, NCCA, DepEd, CHED, LGUs, and 13 PIA, promulgate the rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act within sixty (60) days after its effectivity.

SEC. 9. 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.

SEC. 10. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, issuances, decrees,

rules, and regulations inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Act are 20 deemed amended, modified, or repealed accordingly.

SEC. 11. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

22 publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,