'Ifw G, i
TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
25 JIJL17 P3-56
S. No.
SENATE
700
Ri:CEl
Introduced by Senator MANUEL "LITO" M. LAPID
AN ACT
PRESERVING THE INDIGENOUS GAMES OF THE PHILIPPINES, AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Indigenous games hold a significant place in the cultural tapestry of the 
Philippines, representing the rich heritage, unique traditions, and communal bonds 
that have defined our nation for centuries. This bill seeks to recognize, document, and 
safeguard these valuable cultural treasures for current and future generations. This 
measure underscores the importance of preserving and promoting indigenous games, 
not merely as pastimes but as essential elements of our national identity and social 
cohesion.
The indigenous games of the Philippines encompass a wide array of traditional 
pastimes, often passed down through generations by word of mouth and practical 
demonstration. These games, deeply rooted in our ancestral communities, are not just 
forms of entertainment; they are repositories of our history, values, and unique ways 
of life.
Indigenous games have historically played a central role in binding communities 
together. They promote cooperation, camaraderie, and social cohesion. By preserving 
and reviving these games, we can strengthen the bonds within and between 
communities, fostering a sense of belonging and shared heritage.


This measure acknowledges the profound importance of preserving and 
promoting the indigenous games of the Philippines. By recognizing these games as 
vital components of our national identity, cultural diversity, and community bonds, we 
not only ensure their survival but also celebrate the rich tapestry of Filipino culture. 
This representation is confident that its passage will contribute to a stronger, more 
culturally aware, and united Philippines.
In view of the foregoing, early passage of this bill is sought.
Senator


1
2
3
- .... r..:.:- Git.:-
TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
25 JUL 17 P3-.56
SENATE
S. No.
r\00
RHCEI'Ajc
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid
AN ACT
PRESERVING THE INDIGENOUS GAMES OF THE PHILIPPINES, AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled:
4 
SECTION 1. 5/70/t77fife.—This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Indigenous
5 
Games Preservation Act."
6 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — Article II, Section 22 of the Constitution
7 
provides that the State shall recognize and promote the rights of indigenous cultural
8 
communities within the framework of national unity and development. Furthermore,
9 
Article 31.1 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
10 
enjoins all State signatories to take effective measures to recognize and protect the
11 
exercise of the indigenous peoples' rights which include the maintenance, control, and
12 
development of their cuitural heritage, traditionai knowledge and expression, oral
13 
traditions, literatures, designs, sports, and traditional games.
14 
It is thus incumbent upon the State to lay down specific policy directives to
15 
promote the interest of our indigenous peoples, preserve our cultural heritage, and
16 
help our people connect with our historical roots. The State shall take the necessary
17 
steps to preserve the indigenous peoples' games which serve as the best avenue for
18 
their self-expression, and for promoting peace, harmony, goodwill, and camaraderie.


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28 
29
SEC. 3. Indigenous Games. - The term "indigenous games" refer to the 
traditional sports and games distinctly connected and rooted in the traditions, 
customs, and practices, and reflect the rich cultural heritage of the different 
indigenous cultural communities or indigenous peoples, handed down from generation 
to generation such as bunong braso, ginnuyudan, hUahang lubid, kadang-kadang, 
karera sa sake, luksong-tinik, patintero, syato, unggoy-unggoyan. These include 
games played by the indigenous communities, usualiy accompanied by indigenous 
materials and implements, in observance of indigenous peoples' rituals, celebration of 
cultural festivals, socialization, entertainment, and competition.
SEC. 4. Indigenous Games Manual Office. - There shall be created an 
Indigenous Games Manual Office within the National Commission on Culture and the 
Arts (NCCA) which shali have the foilowing functions:
1. Prepare a continuing list of indigenous games;
2. Produce videos, diagrams, and manuals providing the rules and instructions 
as to how the games are played, as well as demonstrations of the gameplay; 
and
3. Establish and maintain online access to videos, diagrams, and manuals on 
indigenous games.
The Indigenous Games Manual Office shall work with the National Commission 
on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and conduct consultations with indigenous cultural 
communities or indigenous peopies in the preparation of the manuai to ensure that 
the indigenous games are properly documented and preserved.
SEC. 5. Annual Regional and National Indigenous Sports Competitions. - The 
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) shall, in coordination with the Philippine Olympic 
Committee (POC), NCIP, and the iocai government units (LGUs), conduct annual 
regional and national indigenous sports competitions.
The host LGU shall, in coordination and consultation with the concerned 
indigenous culturai communities or indigenous peopies, identify which games or sports 
events shall be included in the regional and national indigenous sports competitions.


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
23
SEC. 6. Other Means of Preserving the Indigenous Games. The NCIP and the 
shall, in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on 
Higher Education (CHED), the PSC, POC, LCDs, and the Philippine Information Agency 
(PIA), initiate measures to preserve indigenous games in the country, such as the 
inclusion of indigenous games as part of the curriculum and other appropriate school 
activities in the basic and higher education system, the production of documentary 
and other materials on indigenous games, and the conduct of regular demonstration 
of such games in the Paiarong Pambansa and in other national sports events.
9 
SEC. 7. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the implementation of this
10 
Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
11 
SEC. 8. Impiementing Ruies and Reguiations. - The PSC and the NCIP as the
12 
lead agencies shall, in coordination with the POC, NCCA, DepEd, CHED, LGUs, and
13 
PIA, promulgate the rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act
14 
within sixty (60) days after its effectivity.
15 
SEC. 9. Separabiiity Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act is held invalid
16 
or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected shall remain in full force and
17 
effect.
18 
SEC. 10. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, issuances, decrees,
19 
rules, and regulations inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Act are
20 
deemed amended, modified, or repealed accordingly.
21 
SEC. 11. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
22 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,