RECEIVED =

Republic of the Philippines CATE: MAR 01 a
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 8823

Introduced by HON. JOY MYRA S. TAMBUNTING

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Article II, Section 15 of the 1987 Constitution provides that, “The State shall protect and promote
the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.”

Regular physical activity is proven to help prevent and manage noncommunicable diseases
(NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and several cancers and also helps prevent
hypertension, maintain healthy body weight and can improve mental health, quality of life and
well-being, World Health Organization however reports that current global estimates show one in
four adults and 81% of adolescents do not do enough physical activity. Considering the many
benefits of physical activity and its overall impact to an individual's health, the government must
adopt measures to promote physical fitness among its citizens to ensure a healthier citizenry.

For children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 years, WHO recommends at least an average of 60
minutes per day of moderate-to-vigorous intensity, mostly aerobic, physical activity, across the
week, Presently, educational institutions under the K-12 basic education curriculum provide
students physical education classes but are rather limited with Grades 1-10 students only being
allotted 40 minutes to 60 minutes of physical education classes each week. Moreover, these
classes are also used for lectures, class discussions and examination, further reducing the time
allotted for physical activity. Considering that students spend most of their time at schools,
educational institution must ensure that they are allotted sufficient time for physical activity.

In this light, this measure seeks to require educational institutions, both private and public to
incorporate at least two (2) hours of physical education a week to the curricula of students in all
levels of basic education. These mandated two (2) hours shall be entirely dedicated to actual
physical activities.

On behalf of the people of Parafiaque City’s Second District, and for the common good of the
Filipino people, the approval of the said measure is earnestly sought.

RA es hay
istrict, Parafiaque City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 8823

Introduced by HON, JOY MYRA S. TAMBUNTING

AN ACT
TO INCLUDE IN THE CURRICULA OF ALL LEVELS OF BASIC EDUCATION IN PUBLIC
AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS 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 1. Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Mandatory Physical Education in Schools

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-discipline, 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 opportunities for the athletic development of children and the youth who have
the competitive spirit as well as grace, coordination, stamina and strength through
physical activities, such as sports, in a physical education program; and

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 physical 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 allotted 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 effectively 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,