REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 1311 
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Introduced by Representative MARLYN L. PRIMICIAS-AGABAS 
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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 3rd and final 
reading in the 17th, 18th  and the 19th Congress. However, it has not yet ripened 
into a law. Hence, the re-filing of this bill is necessary to ensure the preservation 
of indigenous games in the Philippines, which already form as integral part of our 
history and heritage. 
Section 15, Article XIV, of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, mandates the 
State to conserve, promote, and popularize the nation’s historical and cultural 
heritage and resources, as well as artistic creations. 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 identified us traditionally, 
culturally, geographically, and ethnically in the various regions of the country. 
Thus, these indigenous games served as important vehicles of cultural identity and 
form part of intangible cultural heritage. 
However, with the rapid spread of globalization and digital technology, these 
indigenous games are in danger of being forgotten. Hence, to effectively treasure 
these indigenous games, it is fitting to preserve them to identify and define us as 
part of our cultural heritage. In the same vein, it is important to store these games 
for the next generations to come. This proposed measure aims to contribute to 
cultural sustainability and nurtures a stronger sense of belonging, discipline, and 
pride among the Filipino youth. 
Approval of this bill is, thus, earnestly sought. 
MARLYN L. PRIMICIAS-AGABAS 
July 7. 2025
8:00 am


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 1311 
Introduced by Representative MARLYN L. PRIMICIAS-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: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Philippine 
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Indigenous Games Preservation Act”. 
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SEC.2. Declaration of policy – [Article II, Section 22 of the1987 Philippine 
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Constitution provides that the [State shall recognize and promote the rights 
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of indigenous cultural communities within the frame work of national unity 
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and development. Furthermore, Article 31.1 of the United Nations 
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Declarations on the Rights of Indigenous People enjoins all State 
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signatories to take effective measures to recognize and to protect the 
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exercise of the indigenous peoples’ rights which include the maintenance, 
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control, and development of their cultural heritage, traditional knowledge 
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and traditional expression, oral traditions, literatures, designs, sports and 
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traditional games, among others. 
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Pursuant to the aforesaid mandates, it is therefore incumbent upon 
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the state to lay down specific policy directives to promote the interests of 
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our indigenous peoples, to strengthen our cultural heritage and our 
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historical roots. To further this policy, the State shall take the necessary 
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steps to preserve the indigenous peoples’ games which serve as the best 
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avenue for self – expression, and for promoting peace, harmony, goodwill 
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and camaraderie among them.] 
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Sec. 3. Indigenous Games. – Indigenous games refer to the traditional 
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sports and games or activities inherent to the different indigenous cultural 
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communities reflecting their rich cultural heritage, traditions or customs 
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handed down from generation to generation such as, but not limited to, dug 
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out, canoe races, precision-around obstacles or rapids, supok or sampit, 
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sungka, kadang-kadang, tumbangpreso, piko, and sepak takraw and such 
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other games distinct with the indigenous communities. 
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Sec. 4. Preservation of Indigenous Games. – The National Commission for 
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Culture and the Arts (NCAA), in coordination with the Department of 
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Education (DepEd), shall initiate measures to preserve indigenous games 
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in the country, such as the inclusion of games as part of the curriculum in 
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the basic education system of our schools, production of documentary or 
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other useful means, and the conduct of regular demonstration of such 
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games in national events and in appropriate school activities. 
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The NCAA shall likewise conduct research on the various sports 
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traditionally played by different indigenous groups within the region to 
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ensure the preservation and development of these games. 
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Sec. 5. Annual Regional and National Indigenous Games. The Philippine 
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Sports Commission (PSC), in coordination with the Philippine Olympic 
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Committee (POC), and the local government Units (LGUs) shall conduct 
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annual regional and national indigenous sports competitions. 
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The host LGU shall have the prerogative to choose which sport 
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events shall be included in the national and regional Indigenous games 
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competitions. 
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Sec. 6 implementing Rules and Regulations. – The NCAA and the DepEd 
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as the lead agencies in coordination with the PSC, POC, and LGUs, shall 
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promulgate the rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act 
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within 60 days after its effectivity. 
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Sec. 7. Separability Clause. – If any part or provision of this Act is held 
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invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall 
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remain in full force and effect. 
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Sec. 8. Repealing Clause. – All laws, executive orders, issuances, decrees, 
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rules and regulations inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this 
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Act are deemed, amended, modified, or replaced accordingly. 
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Sec. 9 Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect 15days after its publication in 
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the official gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
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Approved. 
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