Philippine Indigenous Games Preservation Act

Sellate Noried me deman TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 AUG -4 P1:19 SENATE RECEIVED& S. No._ Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda AN ACT PRESERVING THE INDIGENOUS SPORTS AND GAMES OF THE PHILIPPINES EXPLANATORY NOTE The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognizes traditional sports and games (TSG) as an intangible cultural heritage that must be protected and promoted for future generations. I Indigenous games refer 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. These include Arnis, the Filipino version of martial arts; Sipa, Palo-Sebo, Sungka, Luksong Tinik, Patintero, Siato, Tumbang Preso, among others. Indigenous sports and games form an integral part of our intangible cultural heritage and way of life. These traditional activities have long played a vital role in shaping the formative years of Filipino youth. They instill the values of teamwork, resilience, and camaraderie, build character, hone social skills, and provide a meaningful avenue for recreation and cultural expression. Unfortunately, the healthy lifestyle and positive values once nurtured by indigenous sports and games are increasingly being overshadowed by the growing use of consoles and mobile devices. While technology offers its own set of benefits, it is important to strike a balance. We must encourage young people to stay physically 1https://en.unesco.org/themes/sport-and-anti-doping/traditional-sports-and-games

active, engage in real-world social interactions, and explore the richness of our cultural and natural environment. In this regard, this bill seeks to protect and promote indigenous sports and games. The proposed measure tasks the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and other concerned government bodies to initiate measures to preserve the traditional games in the country, among others. The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) shall also be mandated to hold an annual regional and national indigenous sports competition. In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. LOREN LEGARDA

Sciate Difire of the cororp TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session AUG -4 P1:19 SENATE RECEIVED B S. No._ Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda AN ACT PRESERVING THE INDIGENOUS SPORTS AND GAMES OF THE PHILIPPINES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic 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. - 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 9 development of their cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and traditional 10 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

1 from generation to generation, such as tribal archery, blowpipe, sibat, dug-out canoe 2 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 7 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

12 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.

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

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

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

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