Roxas City – Since 2005, Arnis has been part of the Palarong Pambansa, the biggest and the grandest sporting event in the country. However, it was only part of the demo-events during the 2005-2006 Palaro in Naga City and was finally included as one of the sporting events during the 2007 Palaro in Koronadal, South Cotabato, a DepEd report said.
In history books, the use of Arnis is said to be deadly as that of the bladed weapons if one fully discover its
potential, however, like any other sports, Arnis builds self-confidence, self-discipline and respect, promotes a sense of nationalism, stressed Raymond Velayo, president of Arnis (ARPI), who is pushing a bill to make Arnis as a national sport.
Education Task Force Head for School Sports Feliciano Toledo said that the Department of Education (DepEd) supported Senate Bill 1424 which aims to make Arnis, a local form of martial arts that uses sticks as weapons, A national sport. The bill is supported by Senator Miguel Zubiri. “Although Arnis has a history of warfare, we will change that perspective by transforming this into a physical activity that will urge humans to connect and play,” Toledo said. “There has to be a national sport… and Arnis should be it because it is part of our history,” he added. Continue reading
