Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
____________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by HON. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
AN ACT PRESERVING THE INDIGENOUS GAMES OF THE PHILIPPINES 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Section 17, Article II of the 1987 Constitution states, “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.”  
This proposed measure aims to empower the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), 
Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), and Local Government Units (LGUs) to conduct 
annual regional and national indigenous sports competitions. 
Among these games are patintero, tumbang preso, siato, taguan pung, and tumbang 
preso. 
This proposed measure which seeks to preserve the indigenous games in the 
Philippines has already been approved for a third and final reading in the 17th and 
18th Congress. However, it has yet to become a law due to time constraints.  
This bill aims to preserve the indigenous games that have been passed down by our 
ancestors. These indigenous games hope to develop Filipino youth's physical and 
mental health.  
On behalf of the people of Parañaque City’s Second District, and for the common good 
of the Filipino people, the approval of the said measure is earnestly sought. 
REP. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
2nd District, Parañaque City 
January 11, 2023
2:13 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
______________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by HON. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
______________________________________________________________________ 
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 
Indigenous Games Preservation Act”. 
SEC.2. Declaration of policy – [Article II, Section 22 of 1987 Philippine 
Constitution provides that the [State shall recognize and promote the rights 
of indigenous cultural communities within the framework 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 protect the 
exercise of the indigenous peoples’ rights which include the maintenance, 
control, and development of their cultural heritage, traditional knowledge 
and traditional expression, oral traditions, literature, designs, sports and 
traditional games, among others. 
Under 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 
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and camaraderie among them.] 
Sec. 3. Indigenous Games. – Indigenous games refer to the traditional 
sports and games or activities inherent to the different indigenous cultures 
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, tumbangpreso, piko, and sepak takraw and such 
other games distinct from 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, the production of documentaries or 
other useful means, and the conduct of regular demonstrations of such 
games in national events and appropriate school activities. 
The NCAA shall likewise research 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 
The committee (POC), and the local government Units (LGUs) shall conduct 
annual regional and national indigenous sports competitions. 
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 


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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 
Acts 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.