Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

‘house siti no. 7375 _

Introduced by Representative Faustino Michael T. Dy Ill

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Sports are an intrinsic part of the lives of Filipinos, not only among particular individuals but
especially as a people. The benefits are many and include not only the physical but the mental,
psychological and even social. It is thus not difficult to argue for the adoption of sports
programmes when there are obviously no disadvantages.

In the Philippines, sports are a clear and preferable way for society to allocate its resources
to address myriad concerns, not least of which are the drug menace, crime, poverty,
restlessness and boredom, health issues, etc.

Basketball is one of the, if not the most popular sport in the country. Perhaps because it
involves not only good skills, but also teamwork, strategy, and brilliant execution of plays, the
sport has attracted hordes of supporters and achieved a cult-like following.

It might be argued that this is perhaps not the best sport to promote in the Philippines, what
with the height advantage needed to win, and the lack thereof denying us any chance on the
world stage. However, a closer look at basketball will invariably show that this is in fact the
perfect game to support and spread the practice of. The training and actual play involve
aerobic exercises to build endurance, lifting heavy weights to build strength, etc. Constant
movement, even if only in team practices, has invaluable benefits. That itis a team sport plays
a vital role in promoting self-esteem among the participants (players, coaching and non-
coaching staff included), necessarily reducing mental health issues; and promotes friendship
and camaraderie apart from teamwork, which are essential to giving meaning to our lives.


This bill aims to address the aforementioned issues that present clear and present danger to
the lives of our people and the character of our society, as well as improve the quality of lives
of the population, if not financially, at least in other aspects that count more. By designating
a National Basketball Month, the importance of this sport is highlighted and the benefits more
easily achieved.

For the reasons abovecited, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

5" District, Isabela


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

Peucwo, 2379

.-
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative Faustino Michael T. Dy III

AN ACT
DECLARING APRIL OF EVERY YEAR AS NATIONAL BASKETBALL MONTH, AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Designation. - The month of April of every year is hereby declared
National Basketball Month.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The 1987 Constitution states: “Section 17. 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.”

It also states: “Section 13. The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-
building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social
well-being. It shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism, and encourage their
involvement in public and civic affairs.”

SEC. 3. Goals and Aspirations. - The National Basketball Month aims to:
a. further promote the love of sports, in particular basketball, and its benefits among
the population, especially the youth;
b. encourage camaraderie and development of sportsmanship from a young age;
. in coordination with other sports, involve most adults and every young person in
the barangay in sports activities;
d. help prevent the population from engaging in, and divert attention from, vices
especially drugs;



e. promote a healthy lifestyle from a young age, with further inputs from the school
through lessons in the classroom, information campaigns in the barangay, etc.;

f. institutionalize the annual celebration of a National Basketball Month in all
barangays, towns and provinces in the Philippines.

SEC. 4. Functions, Duties and Responsibilities of Government Agencies — The following
government agencies shall have the following functions, duties and responsibilities:

a. Department of Interior and Local Government — shall be responsible for
instructing and coordinating with the local government units, down to the
barangay level;

b. Department of Education — shall be responsible for raising awareness among
all students of the benefits of sports including basketball, for encouraging
the playing of the sport in the school, and ensuring that there are facilities to
make this possible;

c. Philippine Sports Commission — shall be responsible for crafting the
programmes for the National Basketball Month

SEC. 5. Appropriations. - The initial amount necessary for the implementation of this
‘Act shall be charged against the current year’s appropriations of the PSC. Thereafter, such
amount shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The PSC shall, in consultation with the
DILG and DepEd, draft and promulgate the rules and regulations to implement the provisions
of this Act within sixty (60) days after its effectivity.

SEC. 7. Separability Clause. — \f 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 Act 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,