Thursday, May 6, 2010

RA 9850 Eskrima/Arnis now National Sport

Republic Act No. 9850: An Act declaring Arnis as the national martial art and sport of the Philippines

Congress of the Philippines

Philippines. Congress (2007-10). "Republic Act No. 9850: An Act declaring Arnis as the national martial art and sport of the Philippines." Metro Manila: 14th Congress of the Philippines, Third regular session, 2009.


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Republic Act No. 9850, approved on 11 December 2009, defines the indigenous Filipino martial art of Arnis and declares it as the "Philippine National Martial Art and Sport." The Act then orders the Department of Education, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the Philippine Sports Commission to promulgate the rules and regulations necessary to carry out its provisions.


Republic of the Philippines
Congress of the Philippines
Metro Manila
Fourteenth Congress
Third Regular Session
Begun and held in Metro Manila, on Monday, the twenty-seventh day of July, two thousand nine.

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9850
AN ACT DECLARING ARNIS AS THE NATIONAL MARTIAL ART AND SPORT OF THE PHILIPPINES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. It is the policy of the State to inculcate patriotism, nationalism and appreciation of the role of national heroes and symbols in the historical development of the country. Furthermore, the State must give priority to education, science and technology, arts and culture, and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and development.

SEC. 2. Definition of Amis. - Arnis, also known as Eskrima, Kali, Garrote and other names in various regional languages, such as Pananandata in Tagalog; Pagkalikali, Ibanag; Kabaraon and Kalirongan, Pangasinan; Kaliradman, Bisaya; and Didja, Ilokano, is an indigenous Filipino martial art and sport characterized by the use of swinging and twirling movements, accompanied by striking, thrusting and parrying techniques for defense and offense. This is usually done with the use of one (1) or two (2) sticks or any similar implements or with bare hands and feet also used for striking, blocking, locking and grappling, with the use of the same principle as that with the canes.

SEC. 3. Arnis is hereby declared as the Philippine National Martial Art and Sport. The official adoption of arnis as the national martial art and sport shall be promulgated by inscribing the symbol of arnis in the official seal of the Philippine Sports Commission and by making it as the first sport competition to be played by participating teams on the first day in the annual Palarong Pambansa. The Philippine Sports Commission shall be the lead agency to implement the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 4. The Department of Education, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the Philippine Sports Commission shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 5. Any provision of law, decree, executive order, rule or regulation in conflict or inconsistent with the provisions and/or purposes of this Act is hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.


Approved,

PROSPERO C. NOGRALES
Speaker of the House of Representatives

JUAN PONCE ENRILE
President of the Senate


This Act which is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 3288 and House Bill No. 6516 was finally passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on October 14, 2009.

FOR:

MARILYN B. BARUA-YAP
Secretary General
House of Representatives

EMMA LIRIO-REYES
Secretary of the Senate

Approved: DEC 11 2009


GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO
President of the Philippines


01 February 2010, Monday

UC sponsors arnis workshop for trainors

UC sponsors arnis workshop for trainors

TO PROMOTE arnis as the national sport in Baguio City, the University of the Cordilleras and Baguio City Arnis Federation spearheaded a three-day arnis training workshop at the UC covered court last March 5 to 7.

Leo Carino, president of the Baguio City Arnis Federation, said the workshop was organized to train the physical education teachers and the martial arts club instructors' new techniques in arnis.

"At the same time we also want to promote it as the Philippine national sport," Carino said.

Last December 11, 2009, Congress approved Republic Act 9850, declaring eskrima or arnis as the national sport. The new law mandates arnis as a physical education course and will be one of its priorities in the 2010 Palarong Pambansa.

The seminar workshop was suppose to be slated in BSU, however, UC PEHM (Physical Education Health and Music) and Arts Society requested to sponsor the event because of its vision of integrating it as a major basic PE subject in coming school year.

“For the benefit of our PE faculty members, we requested the seminar workshop. It’s a great opportunity for us kasi our faculty enjoys the training for free,” Danilo Congo, UC PEHM department head said.

World Eskrima Balintawak Arnis Federation (WEBAF) secretary general Maximo C. Caballes led the training workshop and will also spearhead another workshop in Tarlac in preparation of the Palarong Pambansa this April 11 to 18.

He is the current arnis commissioner of Cebu City, a grand master and founder of the Arnis de Caballes, which aims to provide avenues whereby contribution, ability, and potential in the practice of the art can be recognized, promoted, and achieved.

"I’m very happy and proud I was the one selected to be the speaker of this workshop. Napakaganda ng activity na ito dahil hindi lang mga techniques ang matutunan niyo instead may mga moral lessons din na matututunan. Kasi ang gusto namin bukod sa magiging kilala ang Pinoy bilang kampeon, they will be known as being respectful, honest and loyal," Caballes said.

The arnis workshop was attended by the PE teachers in the elementary, high school and college levels. Around 50 delegates coming from the province of Benguet, Apayao, Ifugao, La Union and Baguio City participated. (Rex Bate)

Saturday, March 20, 2010

World Eskrima Balintawak Arnis Federation


To promote camaraderie, friendship, and brotherhood among Balintawak Grandmasters, Masters, and Practitioners in their practice and promotion of Filipino Martial Arts - Arnis Eskrima Balintawak Style; to provide avenues whereby contribution, ability, and potential in the practice of the art can be recognized, promoted, and achieved.


The Formation of WEBAF

During the most recent trip to Cebu City, Philippines, home of Grand Master Guillermo O. Taboada (known to the world as GM Bobby), Mayor Butch Sepulveda hosted a despidida party for GM Bobby’s honor. It was on the night of December 4, 2009, held at the club house of World Nickelstick Eskrima Club GM Nick Elizar. It was well-attended by notable Balintawak Grandmasters, Master, students, and visiting students from USA, Spain, and France. The night was a feast with lechon, sinugbang isda, nukus, dinuguan, puto,etc, and unending flow of cold beer,rhum and wine.

During the party, Dong Butch (as Mayor Butch is fondly known) mentioned to the group that, with the funding support of Senator Miguel Zubiri (also an avid arnis practitioner and 1st WEKAF Champion), he has just organized a Federation of Horse Aficionados to promote horse riding activities in the province of Cebu. In the same light, Dong Butch suggested that the Balintawak Group could organize a similar format to promote unity and camaraderie, and service among different Balintawak Groups, not only in Cebu, but also throughout the Philippines and the World.

After discussion and exchange of ideas, GM Bobby Taboada, Chief Master Eddie Velez, GM Teofilo Romo, GM Nick Elizar, GM Max Cabelles, MI Ben Jay-Ma, Dr. Ben Marapao, Mayor Butch Sepulveda all concurred that a legal, non-stock, non-profit entity be organized. They recognized that such an entity could promote the vision and mission of Balintawak and allow succession to the next generation. They all pledged their support and agreed to form a Balintawak Group Federation.

That night an ADHOC Committee was immediately formed:

* President: GM Guillermo (Bobby) Taboada
* Vice President: GM Nicmedes (Nick) Elizar
* Gen.Secretary: GM Maxino (Max) Caballes
* Treasurer: Mayor Butch Sepulveda
* Auditor: MI Oliver Maguyon
* PRO: GM Teofilo Roma
* Sgt. At arms: MI Ben Jayma

Dong Butch Sepulveda graciously offered to shoulder the initial organizational expenses. The very next day, GM Max Caballes wasted no time and immediately proceeded to inquire from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). On December 28, 2009, the application was filed, and on January 6, 2010 WEBAF World Eskrima Balintawak Arnis Federation, Inc. was approved under SEC registration no. CN201025006.

On January 21, 2010 WEBAFERATION held its first open meeting at The Royal Concourse Restaurant, Gov. Cuenco Ave., Cebu City, Philippines. It was a very well-attended affair.

Among the matters taken during the first meeting was The Board’s ratification of the Elected ADHOC Officers to be the Regular Officers for the year 2010. The said meeting and occasion was dedicated to our Great Balintawak Grandmaster Anciong Bacon. During that affair, the descendents of Grandmaster Anciong Bacon were recognized as they were the Special Guests during that momentous occasion.

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Arnis is now “The National Martial Art and Sport of the Philippines"

Arnis is now “The National Martial Art and Sport of the Philippines"

President Gloria Arroyo officially signed REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9850 “An Act declaring Arnis as the National Martial Art and Sport of the Philippines“ on December 11, 2009. According to Mr.Raymond Velayo, ARNIS PHILIPPINES President, the law will preserve part of our heritage and will instill in the minds of our people the sense of nationalism, patriotism, national unity and identity.

It was Arnis Philippines headed by President Velayo who painstakingly lobbied for the approval of the Bill in both houses of Congress since the time of former Senator Orly Mercado in 1995, the late Senator Robert Barbers and Cong. Miguel Zubiri in 2001 until its passage into law by action star turned Senator Lito Lapid, Senators Miguel Zubiri, Mar Roxas, Richard Gordon, Ramon Revilla, Jr., Aquilino Pimentel, Jr., Congressmen Arthur Pingoy, Jr., Pryde Henry Teves, Cesar Jalosjos, Nanette Castelo Daza and Narciso Santiago III with the help of ARNIS PHILIPPINES Directors Servillano Padiz, Jr. (first President of Sepak-takraw and father of Sepak-takraw of the Philippines), Ramon Dizon (Businessman/ Sportsman), Medardo Quiambao (Businessman/Sportsman), Richmond Velayo (Jeweler/ Sportsman).

The law mandates Arnis as a physical education course for the DepEd and will be one of its priorities come 2010 Palarong Pambansa according to Cong. Teves. According to Mr. Velayo, Arnis is being practiced in all five clusters of the Philippine Olympic Festival (POF) and in all 17 regions in the Palarong Pambansa, the National-based Sports Program promulgated by the Department of Education, all in coordination with the ARNIS PHILIPPINES, 33rd Official Member of Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and recognized by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).



ARNIS PHILIPPINES has successfully lobbied for the inclusion of Arnis in the last 1991 & 2005 SEAGAMES. Now it would be easier to lobby for its inclusion in all international sports events like SEAGAMES, ASIAN GAMES, and ultimately, the OLYMPICS. Mr. Velayo expects more support from all sectors both public and private.

President Raymond Velayo, ARNIS PHILIPPINES Board of Directors Medardo Quiambao and Ramon Dizon were paying a courtesy call to the Authors of Arnis Bill at the House of Representatives in Q.C. The Board of Directors of ARNIS PHILIPPINES congratulated and handed out Presidential Citations for having demonstrated their nationalism and patriotism by sponsoring and having it approved in the Halls of Congress of the Republic of the Philippines a REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9850 “An Act declaring Arnis as the National Martial Art and Sport of the Philippines”.

(Above photo standing from L-R): ARPI Dir. Ramon Dizon, Rep. Arthur Pingoy, Pres. Raymond Velayo, Rep. Pryde Henry Teves, and ARPI Dir. Medardo Quiambao. Below photo with Rep. Cesar Jalosjos. (Sponsors not in photo are Rep. Nanette Castelo Daza and Rep. Narciso Santiago III).