Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

EENTH CONGRI
First Regular Session

EVI

House BILL No,__ 5005

Introduced by Honorable Cristina “Chiqui” Roa-Puno

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to require all schools, both private and public, to include in the curricula
used in all levels of basic education at least two (2) hours of physical education dedicated
entirely to actual physical activities.

At present, the K-12 basic education curriculum includes physical education. However,
the time devoted to physical education classes is less than two (2) hours. To specify, the current
curriculum provides that physical education is integrated with other subject areas in
kindergarten. In Grades 1 to 6, the time allowed for physical education is only 40 minutes a
week. In Grades 7 to 10, 60 minutes a week is devoted physical education. It is only in Grades 11
to 12 wherein the time allotment is 2 hours a week. Moreover, physical education in the current
K-12 curriculum is not dedicated entirely to actual physical activities or sports as it also includes
lectures and class discussions.

The World Health Organization recommends at least 60 minutes a day of physical
activity (moderate to vigorous-intensity) for children and young people from 5-17 years old.
Clearly, the current K-12 curriculum, with the meager time it allots to physical education, does
not assure that Filipino children shall be provided the globally recommended exposure to
physical activity

‘oday, more than any other period of our history, there is a need for a re-dedieation to the
benefits of physical education. There is an urgent need to intensify a physical fitness and
recreation program for the population at all ages and at all levels of the community in order to
have a healthier citizenry. This is timely because children today, due to the advent of technology,
are exposed to sedentary living patterns, emotional stress, poor dietary habits and a lack of
physical activity. Moreover, physical education can likewise serve as a strong foundation for the
inculcation of a national discipline,

In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

CRISTI HIQUI” ROA-PUNO


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRI ‘ATIVES:

SEVENTEENTH CONGRI
First Regular Session

5005

HOUSE BILL NO,

Roa.

~ Introduced by Honorable Cristina “Chiqui no

AN ACT TO INCLUDE IN THE CURRICULA OF ALL LEVELS OF BASIC
EDUCATION IN PUBLIC AND PRIVA’ TOOLS AT LEAST TWO (2) HOURS OF
PHYSICAL EDUCATION A WEEK.

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

SECTION |. Title, —
in Schools Act of 2016.”

This Act shall be known as the “Mandatory Physical Education

SEC. 2, Declaration of Policy. — It is the policy of the State to protect and promote the
right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them. Moreover, the State
shall promote physical education to foster self-disepline, teamwork and excellence for the
development of a healthy and alert citizenry. Further, 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,

SEC. 3. Objectives, — Pursuant to the above declarations, the State shall adopt the
following objectives:

1 To elevate physical education to the status of a core subject by requiring more
hours on the study of the same;

2. To instill in young citizens the proper appreciation of the importance of physical
development hand in hand with mental development in individual and social activities;

3. To provide opportunitie:
who have the competitive
through physical activities,

for the athletic development of children and the youth
well as grace, coordination, stamina and strength
sports, in a physical education program; and

h as

4. To give emphasis to a well-rounded physical education program addressed to
physical growth, social training and discipline for all pupils and students, as well as
superior athletic achievement for those who are psychologically inclined and physically
gifted.



SEC. 4. Mandatory Physical Education. ~ At least two (2) hours of physi education a
week shall be included in the curricula used in levels of basic education and adopted in all
schools, both public and private; Provided, that the entire two (2) hours mandated in this Act
shall be dedicated to actual physical activity; Provided further, that should the Department of
Education (DepEd) require time to be alloted in lectures and other non-physical activities, such
time shall be in addition and on top of the two (2) hours of physical education mandated in this
Act.

The DepEd is hereby authorized and directed to adopt forthwith measures to implement
and carry out the provisions of this Section, including the writing and printing of appropriate
primers, readers and textbooks. The DepEd shall, within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of
this Act, promulgate rules and regulations, including those of a disciplinary nature, to carry out
and enforce the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 5. Curriculum. ~ Within six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act, the DepEd
shall conduct a review of the existing physical education curriculum in all levels of basic
education and shall recommend the necessary measures that will ensure the implementation of
this Act.

SEC. 6, Obligation of Schools. — It shall be obligatory on all schools, both private and
public, to include in their criteria at least two (2) hours of physical education entirely dedicated
to actual physical activity. Further, schools shall provide adequate services and facilities for
physical education.

SEC. 7. Separability Clause. ~ If any provision or part of this Act is declared invalid or
unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force
and effect.

SEC. 8. Repealing Clause, ~ Laws, rules, regulations, orders, circulars, and other
issuances or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed or amended accordingly

SEC. 9. Effectivity Clause. ~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,