WESTERN

MINDANAO
STATE
UNIVERSITY

HISTORY OF PHYSICAL
EDUCATION IN THE
PHILIPPINES.
PRE-SPANISH TIMES (1521)

Children during the pre – Spanish time were instructed in the proper use of spears, bows and
arrows, and swords since such activities are vital and essential in their living because the
skills involved were useful in fighting off enemies whether man or beast, finding shelter
materials, securing clothing articles, catching animals for their daily meals and providing
props for their religious ceremonies. While the elders worked, the children took time out
from their household chores to indulge in frolics such as: running and jumping all over the
wide open spaces, crossing streams and rivers, climbing trees, playing their own game of
make believe imitating their parents in such activities such as: hunting, fishing,
housekeeping, making weapons and tools and worshipping.
 
The men and boys were involved in long distance underwater swimming using a double
underarm stroke, the also do diving activities to fish and explore pearls which they sold at a
profit to neighboring countries, other activity engaged is rowing or paddling the banca.
PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD
Rituals involving various body movements and deep breathing exercises to glorify God and
they are fun of performing war dances to incite the fighting spirit, to express the hatred the
people harbored against their enemies and the type of vengeance they had planned and
oftentimes, the members of the war council danced solemnly while trying to decide the
course of war.
 
A war dance Saut is characterized by quick runs, distinct body elevations, and much body
quivering performed to the rhythm of the guimba, or drum. War Dances Himog or death
dance - a ceremonial dance executed to the accompaniment of the bangibang, or wooden
clapper
 
Ritual dances were also performed in case of illness in the family, the people also danced to
hasten recovery. Funeral Dances was characterized by slow swinging of feet up in the air
by a line of men standing with arms on each other’s shoulders. When a person died, the
neighbors perform this type of dance.
Beneseew or witch dance was held precisely to drive away evil spirits that
inhabit the balete. Tabing Baila is an exotic ceremonial dance which was a
prayer for a bountiful fish catch. The movements stimulated those of a fish,
with the hands curling in and out like a fin, arms circle here and yon, and the
body twisting and contorting much like a marine creature.
 
Festival Dances like Bumayab - started auspiciously with a limliwa or chant -
notable for its elaborate footwork and hand movements - music was provided
by gongs, gongha, tubob, and habit. Tanggugo a dance with hardly any arm
movement - men and women rotated bodily, stepped sideways, and stamped
animatedly with kulong-kulong around their feet to the accompaniment of the
tanggungguan, or gongs suspended by ropes from a triangular rack. Unomey-
umey is a thanksgiving dance for the diwatas for a rich crop.
Courtship Dances was also famous such as Tadek were both man and woman danced on tiptoe, feet
remaining always on the ground carrying a piece of red cloth which they fluttered from side to side as
they shook their whole body to the measure of the ganza or native drum. The highlight of the dance
was the exchange of symbolic keepsakes wherein the wife offers her husband a dagger to show that she
looked up to him; in turn, the husband gave her a piece of cloth to signify their common bond. Kinal-
logong is a courtship dance were the man remained in place as the woman teasingly sang and danced
around him, trying each time to place a hat on his head.
 
Wedding dances - the babaylan or priestess usually climaxed a marriage ceremony with a dance at the
end of which she threw her javelin to kill a sacrificial animal. Mimetic dances Munggayong - a line of
men and another of women participants danced around a pile of pots. Funny/comical primitive dances
Kinnotan or ant dance - showed a man dancing and gesticulating to another person who had been
attacked by ants - with deft movements, the former scratched the hurt parts of the body of the victim.
Even in early times, the Filipinos were religious people. They performed, for example, certain rituals
which contributed greatly to their physical development. The early Filipinos were hardy, adventurous,
and energetic people endowed with a vigorous and strong physique. Valiant and unafraid, they
frequently engaged in battles. Dancing was a popular and common activity among the early Filipinos;
almost all occasions were celebrated by dancing .
SPANISH REGIME

The Spanish conquest of the Philippines did not have much effect on the physical activities
of the people, except the enforced labor among the lower class of the people in the building
of the churches and generally the people lived in the sedentary life while waiting for the
harvest time after planting. Bathing, swimming are favorite pastime as well as Cock fighting
as the favorite sport.
 
Fandango danceDancing continued one of the major physical activities enjoyed by the
people. Other dances also includes: Curacha Jota, Polka Mazurka, Rigodon Lanceros.
Ceremonial dances were performed during religious events, like Santracuzan where in
people ate, sang, drank and danced to their heart’s content.

Games were played by the Filipinos during a grand celebration or after the Santacruzan.
Games like Pabitin, Palo Sebo • Juego de Anillo was played by the little children. The
young girls play Sungka, Siklot, piko, luksong tinik and hide and seek. Young boys play
patintero, sipa, topspinning and kite flying. Card games were very popular recreational to
old folks which were introduced by the Spaniards.
Schools, colleges and universities were established for formal training of the Filipinos. In these
institutions, physical education was not included in the curriculum. Ateneo de Municipalde Manila
founded by the Jesuits Fathers included physical education as part of their curriculum
 
In 1863 a royal decree established a Normal School for Men in the City of Manila and physical education
was not included in the curriculum.  A royal decree established the Superior Normal School for Women
and, still physical education was not included in the curriculum. In 1893 the Superior Normal School for
Men Teachers (Normal School for Men) included gymnastics in the curriculum. 1867, the Manila Jockey
Club was founded to supervise the holding of horse races.

American Period Just as soon as the American soldiers landed in the Philippines after the historic event
of the signing of the Treaty of Paris on December 10, 1898, schools reopened. 1901- Physical exercise
was one of the subjects introduced in the public schools and a regular program of athletics was
developed.
 
In 1905 Baseball and track and field were introduced and taught to the young boys in school. 1909- The
athletic program for the schools was inaugurated. 1910, Basketball was first introduced as a game for
girls. 1911, The “Athletic Handbook” was published. 1914, The Teachers Vacation Assembly in Manila
gave special training to Filipino teachers. 1919, A syllabus entitled “Physical Education: A Manual for
Teachers” was published. 1920, Physical education was made required subjects in the curriculum of all
public schools.1928, A summer school for coaching was held .
LEGAL BASES OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
 
The following are some of the laws that reiterate the importance of Physical Education and achieving
holistic development.
 
SPORTS
 1987 Constitution, Article XIV: Education, Science and Technology, Arts, Culture and Sports
 Section 19.
(1) The State shall promote physical education and encourage sports programs, league competitions, and
amateur sports, including training for international competitions, to foster self-discipline, teamwork, and
excellence for the development of a healthy and alert citizenry.
(2) All educational institutions shall undertake regular sports activities throughout the country in
cooperation with athletic clubs and other sectors.
 Republic Act No. 5708: An act providing for the promotion and financing of an integrated physical
education and sports development program for the schools in the Philippines:
SECTION 1. This Act shall be known as "The Schools Physical Education and Sports Development Act of
1969."
SEC. 2. An integrated physical education and sports development program in all schools In the Philippines
shall be undertaken by the Department of Education in accordance with the following guiding principles:
1. The goal of physical education is to instill in young citizens a proper appreciation of
the importance of physical development hand in hand with the mental development in
individual and social activities;
2. The sports and other activities in a physical education program should provide
opportunities for the athletic development of children and youth who have the
competitive spirit as well as grace, coordination, stamina and strength;
3. A well-rounded physical education program must be addressed to physical growth,
social training, and personal discipline for all pupils and students, as well as superior
athletic achievement for those who are psychologically inclined and physically gifted;
and
4. An integrated program for sports development in the schools requires effective
organizational planning and administration with provisions for adequate training
facilities and sustained stable financing.
WHAT IS PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Physical Education is "education through the physical". It aims to develop students’ physical
competence and knowledge of movement and safety, and their ability to use these to
perform in a wide range of activities associated with the development of an active and
healthy lifestyle. It also develops students’ confidence and generic skills, especially those of
collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking and aesthetic appreciation. These,
together with the nurturing of positive values and attitudes in PE, provide a good foundation
for students’ lifelong and life-wide learning.
 
"Physical education is the study, practice, and appreciation of the art and science of human
movement" (Harrison, Blakemore, and Buck). While movement is both innate and essential
to an individual's growth and development, it is the role of physical education to provide
instructional activities that not only promote skill development and proficiency, but also
enhance an individual's overall health. Physical education not only fulfills a unique role in
education, but is also an integral part of the schooling process.
 
UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE OF
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical education is beneficial for both the bodies and minds of students. By being more
active, students will also benefit by being able to better avoid injury, they will have more
confidence, and they can see improved mental health. It's important to educate students on
the benefits of playground and in-school physical activity and instruct them on issues related
to the human body and other health-related issues to give them a better understanding of
how their body works.

WHAT IS FITNESS?
 
Fitness was defined as the capacity to carry out the day’s activities without undue fatigue.
 
WHAT IS PHYSICAL FITNESS?
 
Is a state of health and well-being and, more specifically, the ability to perform aspects of
sports, occupations and daily activities. Physical fitness is generally achieved through proper
nutrition, moderate-vigorous physical exercise, and sufficient rest.
 BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION

•Reduce risk of disease