EPRESSS
x REPRESS.

RECEIVED “\

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

3860
HOUSE BILL NO.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill which seeks to preserve the indigenous games in the
Philippines has already been approved by the House of Representatives
on its 3“ and final reading in the 17" Congress. However, it has not yet
ripened into a law. Hence, the re-filing of this bill to ensure the
preservation of indigenous games in the Philippines which already form
as integral part of our history and heritage.

Since time immemorial, before the inception of various foreign
sports games in the country, Filipinos have lived, enjoyed, and mastered
our home grown indigenous games. These games successfully thrived as
part of our way of life. They have, in one way or the other, identified us
traditionally, culturally, geographically, and ethnically in the various
regions of the country.

So as to effectively treasure these indigenous games, it is but just
fitting to preserve them to identify and define us as part of our cultural
heritage. In the same vein, to store these games for the next generations
to come.

Approval of this bill is thus earnestly sought.

ATTY. TYRONE D. AGABAS
Representative
6% District, Pangasinan


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO. 3860

Introduced by Representative TYRONE D. AGABAS

AN ACT
PRESERVING THE INDIGENOUS GAMES OF THE PHILIPPINES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

1 SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Philippine
Indigenous Games Preservation Act’.

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SEC. 2. Declaration of policy — [Article |, Section 22 of the 1987 Philippine
Constitution provides that the [State shall recognize and promote the
rights of indigenous cultural communities within the frame work of national
unity and development. Furthermore, Article 31.1 of the United Nations
Declarations on the Rights of Indigenous People enjoins all State
signatories to take effective measures to recognize and to protect the
exercise of the indigenous peoples’ rights which include the maintenance,
10 control, and development of their cultural heritage, traditional knowledge
11 and traditional expression, oral traditions, literatures, designs, sports and
12 traditional games, among others.

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Pursuant to the aforesaid mandates, it is therefore incumbent upon
the state to lay down specific policy directives to promote the interests of
our indigenous peoples, to strengthen our cultural heritage and our
historical roots. To further this policy, the State shall take the necessary
steps to preserve the indigenous peoples’ games which serve as the best
avenue for self — expression, and for promoting peace, harmony, goodwill
and camaraderie among them.]

Sec. 3. Indigenous Games. — Indigenous games refer to the traditional
sports and games or activities inherint to the different indigenous cultural
communities reflecting their rich cultural heritage, traditions or customs
handed down from generation to generation such as, but not limited to,
dug out, canoe races, precision- around obstacles or rapids, supok or
sampit, sungka, kadang-kadang, tumbang preso, piko, and sepak takraw
and such other games distinct with the indigenous communities.

Sec. 4. Preservation of Indigenous Games. — the National Commission for
Culture and the Arts (NCAA), in coordination with the Department of
Education (DepEd), shall initiate measures to preserve indigenous games.
in the country, such as the inclusion of games as part of the curriculum in
the basic education system of our schools, production of documentary or
other useful means, and the conduct of regular demonstration of such
games in national events and in appropriate school activities.

The NCAA shall likewise conduct research on the various sports
traditionally played by different indigenous groups within the region to
ensure the preservation and development of these games.

Sec. 5. 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.

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The host LGU shall have the prerogative to choose which sport
events shall be included in the national and regional Indigenous games
competitions.

Sec. 6 implementing Rules and Regulations. — the NCAA and the DepEd
as the lead agencies in coordination with the PSC, POC and LGUs, shall
promulgate the rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this
act within 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 thereby 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 Act are deemed, amended, modified, or replaced
accordingly.

Sec. 9 Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect 15 days after its publication
in the official gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved.

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