University of Santo Tomas Institute of Physical Education and Athletics

The University of Santo Tomas Institute of Physical Education and Athletics, popularly known as "IPEA", is the physical education department of the University of Santo Tomas, in Manila, Philippines.  It oversees programs in physical education in the university.  It also supervises the sports activities and performance of the university in various national and international competitions, such as Thomasian Goodwill Games and UAAP. 

It was established in 1929.  The institute is located at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.  Pope John Paul II is the patron of IPEA. 

History
The university in the American period recognised the emergence of the growing interest of athleticism among the students.  Thus, in August 1928, physical education became seriously considered as a compulsory course in the university.  Among the physical activities included were gymnastics, dances, marching tactics, athletics, health service and exercises, and teacher training for those desiring to take Physical Education as their major and minor courses.  During the university day celebration in 1929, the first intramural games came forth successfully for the first time.  Following the success, the university established the Department of Physical Education in January 16, 1929.  Dr. José Rodríguez, a former Olympic basketball and football player, under the recommendation of Fr.  José García Díaz, O.P., became the first director of the department. 

In the school year 1932-33,  the completion of the physical education courses became a prerequisite for graduation in the Colleges of Liberal Arts, Education, Philosophy and Letters, and Commerce. 

During the term of Fr.  Juan Labrador, O.P. as university rector in the early 1960s, sports, most especially the field of basketball, softball, and swimming, was given importance. 

In 2000,  the department was elevated to become an "Institute".  The reorganisation was the brainchild of Fr.  Ermito G. de Sagon, O.P., then the UST High School principal. 

Organization
The institute is divided into two sections – the Physical Education section and Athletics section.  The former is responsible for the basic physical education programs of the students.  The latter is mainly concerned with the extramural programs of the university. 

A Dominican priest, is appointed as the director and regent of the institute.  Lay teachers govern the other administrative position. 

The institute administers the programs that are prerequisites to the students for two years (four semesters). 

Degree programs
 Bachelor in Physical Education major in Sports and Wellness Management

Sport courses offered

 Adapted PE 
 Arnis
 Badminton (introduced in 2008) 
 Basketball
 Beach Volleyball (introduced in 2009)
 Fitness
 Folk Dance
 Football
 Handball

 Korfball (introduced in 2007)
 Philippine Games (introduced in 2010) 
 Sepak Takraw
 Social Dance
 Softball
 Swimming 
 Table Tennis
 Taekwando
 Track and Field
 Volleyball

Facilities

 Quadricentennial Pavilion
 Badminton training hall
 Dance hall
 Fencing training hall 
 Fitness center
 Gymnastics room
 Judo training hall
 Table tennis training hall
 Taekwondo training hall
 Overall track

 Baseball Field
 Beach Volleyball Court
 College of Education Open Courts
 Main Field
 Padre Noval Covered Court
 Practice Gym of the Quadricentennial Pavilion
 Sepak Takraw Court

References

Physical education