EXERCISE BASE ACTIVITY

Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION

The history of physical education in the Philippines is a fascinating

journey that reflects the country's cultural evolution and the influence of
different colonizers. It began with the basic survival skills of indigenous
people and evolved through various periods, culminating in the formal
inclusion of physical education in schools and universities.

Pre-Spanish Period: Survival and Tradition

In the pre-colonial era, physical activities were deeply intertwined

with the survival and cultural practices of indigenous Filipinos. The
Negritos, or Aetas, nomadic tribes known for their hunting skills, practiced
running, leaping, jumping, and climbing as essential skills for foraging and
protection. They also enjoyed music and dancing, with dances like "Juna
Camote" (imitating camote stealing) and "Pina Pa-ni-lan" (mimicking
honey gathering) reflecting their way of life25.

The Indonesians and Malays, who arrived later, cultivated the land,
and their physical activities revolved around farming and fishing. Dancing
held religious significance, performed to please gods, cure the sick, and
celebrate victories in tribal wars called "Cañao." Cockfighting, believed to
have been introduced by the Malays as early as 1212, became a popular
sport23.

Spanish Period: European Influences and Formal Education

The Spanish colonization had a limited impact on the physical

activities of Filipinos, except for the enforced labor in building churches.
However, it introduced European dances like fandangos, curachas, jotas,
polka, mazurkas, rigodon, and lanceros, enjoyed by the upper classes.
Ceremonial dances like the Santacruzan, a colorful procession, became a
significant religious event235.

Traditional games like "pabitin" (hanging treats for children), "palo

sebo" (climbing a greased pole), and "juego de anillo" (horseback ring-
catching) were popular. Girls played games like "sungka" (shell game),
"siklot" (a type of hopscotch), "piko" (another hopscotch variation),
"luksong tinik" (jumping over sticks), and hide-and-seek. Card games like
"panguingui" became popular among older folks23.

While schools and universities were established during this period,

physical education was not formally included in the curriculum. However,
some institutions like the Ateneo de Municipal de Manila, founded by Jesuit
fathers, did incorporate gymnastics into their programs. A normal school
for men was established in 1863, but physical education was not part of
the curriculum. Health inspections were conducted at the beginning of
classes, and a room for gymnastics was provided for women teachers in
1892. In 1893, the normal school for men was allowed to train teachers for
both elementary and high schools, with gymnastics becoming a
requirement for their certificate23.
 American Period: Western Sports and Formal Curriculum

The American colonization brought a significant shift in physical

education. After the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1898, schools
reopened, and physical education was formally introduced in public
schools in 1901. Western sports like baseball, track and field, and tennis
were introduced and emphasized. Basketball was initially introduced for
girls in 1910 but discontinued in 191423.

In 1911, an "athletic handbook" was published, outlining simple

group games and rules for team sports. Teachers were trained in physical
education during vacation assemblies, and a syllabus titled "Physical
Education: A Manual for Teachers" was published in 1919. Physical
education became a required subject in public schools in 1920. A summer
school for coaching was held in 1928 to improve coaching methods23.

During the Japanese occupation, physical education continued to be

a subject in secondary schools. The grading system included attendance,
skill proficiency, attitude, daily performance, reports, and sportsmanship.
The Bureau of Education introduced "mass athletics" for all students, with
elementary students learning basic sports and high school students
specializing in sports like volleyball and basketball. Regional athletic
associations were formed, and the Bureau of Public Schools Interscholastic
Athletic Association was established. A summer school of physical
education was opened at Rizal Stadium in 19383.

Following World War II, the National College of Physical Education

was established in 1947, offering a certificate program in physical
education. Physical education was formally included in the basic education
curriculum through Republic Act No. 5078, the Schools Physical Education
and Sports Development Act of 1969. This act ensured that integrated
physical education, school sports, and physical fitness programs remained
part of the curriculum. Further revisions in the elementary and secondary
education programs integrated physical education with other subjects like
music, art, and health3.

Conclusion

The history of physical education in the Philippines reflects the

country's cultural evolution and the influence of different colonizers. From
the basic survival skills of indigenous people to the introduction of
Western sports and the formal inclusion of physical education in schools,
the journey has been marked by adaptation, innovation, and a growing
understanding of the importance of physical activity for overall well-being.
Today, physical education continues to evolve, incorporating
contemporary trends and emphasizing the development of healthy
lifestyles, sportsmanship, and physical literacy for all Filipinos.

Legal Bases of Physical Education

The following are some of the laws that reiterate the importance of
Physical Education and achieving holistic development.

SPORTS

1. 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.

2. 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 an integral part of the education program design

to promote the optimum development of an individual physically,
emotionally, mentally, and socially, through total body movements in the
performance of properly selected physical activities
Physical education (PE) is much more than just running laps and
playing sports. It's a comprehensive field that encompasses the
development of physical, cognitive, and social-emotional skills through
movement and physical activity. Here's a breakdown of its key aspects:
1. Physical Development:
Motor Skills: PE helps students develop fundamental movement
skills like running, jumping, throwing, catching, and balancing.
These skills are essential for everyday life, sports, and other
physical activities.
Fitness: PE programs promote physical fitness by incorporating
activities that improve cardiovascular health, muscular strength and
endurance, flexibility, and body composition.
Health: PE education fosters an understanding of healthy habits,
nutrition, and the benefits of regular physical activity for overall
well-being.
2. Cognitive Development:
Problem-Solving: Many PE activities require strategic thinking,
planning, and decision-making.
Critical Thinking: Students analyze their performance, identify
areas for improvement, and develop strategies for success.
Decision-Making: PE activities often involve making quick
decisions about movement and strategy.
3. Social-Emotional Development:
Cooperation: Team sports and group activities teach students to
work together, communicate effectively, and support each other.
Respect: PE fosters respect for oneself, teammates, opponents,
and rules.
Self-Confidence: Mastering new skills and achieving goals in PE
can boost self-esteem and confidence
4. Lifelong Learning:
Enjoyment of Physical Activity: PE aims to instill a love of
movement and encourage students to participate in physical
activities throughout their lives.
Active Lifestyle: PE promotes a healthy lifestyle by encouraging
students to make physical activity a regular part of their lives.

FITNESS ASSESSMENT

Fitness assessments consist of different types of tests and exercises

used to determine your overall health and physical fitness level. These
tests typically assess your strength, endurance, and flexibility. Fitness
tests are required for physically demanding jobs, such as police officers,
firefighters, and military personnel. Fitness assessments can also help
you, or your personal trainer, figure out an appropriate fitness routine and
goals.

Fitness assessments are a series of tests that measures and

monitors students' physical fitness level. The series of tests assess the five
(5) components of health-related fitness that make up total fitness:
cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance,
flexibility, and body composition. As well as the skill related components
such as: Speed, Balance, Coordination, Reaction time, Agility and power.

Fitness testing is an effective strategy to monitor and assess

students’ fitness levels. It can also help students understand how healthy
they are by learning about the five components of fitness and how to set
goals to improve their health-related fitness.

Assessments are the measuring stick of physical education classes.

They help to show yourself & others that your students are learning and
becoming more physically fit as a result of being in your class.
Assessments can also help to show that your PE class is valuable.
Therefore, assessments are important and should matter to you in your PE
class. They should be performed at least before and after a unit or some
set period of time.

PAR-Q
PAR-Q stands for Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire. Its main
purpose is to identify individuals who may be at increased risk for health
problems during physical activity.

Here's a breakdown of its purpose:

Safety First: PAR-Q is a screening tool to help people understand if

they should consult a doctor before starting a new exercise program
or increasing their activity level.
Risk Assessment: It asks simple questions about your health history
and current conditions to determine if there are any potential risks
associated with physical activity.
Personalized Advice: Based on your answers, the PAR-Q can
recommend whether you should:
o Start exercising safely: If you answer "no" to all questions,
you're likely safe to start exercising.
o Consult your doctor: If you answer "yes" to any question, it's
best to consult your doctor before starting a new exercise
program.
Empowerment: PAR-Q helps individuals take responsibility for their
health and make informed decisions about their physical activity.

Remember: PAR-Q is not a substitute for medical advice. It's a quick and
easy way to assess your readiness, but it's always best to consult your
doctor if you have any concerns about your health.