ARNIS to be declared a National Sport soon

Since 2005, Arnis has been part of the Palarong Pambansa, the biggest sporting event in the country. However, it was only part of the demo-events during the 2005-2006 Palarong Pambansa in Naga City and was finally included as one of the sporting events during the 2007 Palarong Pambansa in Koronadal, South Cotabato, a report by DepEd. 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.
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. There has to be a national sport… and Arnis should be it because it is part of our history.
Velayo lamented continuing misconception about other sports including Sepak Takraw as a Filipino sport. “Sepak Takraw is not a Filipino word. It is a mixed of Thai and Malay, and yet it is being promoted as ours”. He said the declaration of Arnis as a national sport will allow the country to impart the Filipino culture to countries where Arnis is yet to be introduced as a sport. “Arnis has been part of the South East Asian Games (SEA-GAMES) and is also practiced in Japan and Korea. But we are yet to make aware countries especially those outside Asia that there is arnis and it is ours,” Velayo added. There is high optimism that the bill, including a similar version from Senator Lito Lapid, makes it to a third reading in the Senate and also gets encouraging attention in the Lower House until Arnis becomes as a national sport.

Source: Official Website of Roxas City, Capiz

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The former President Cory Aquino is suffering from a colon cancer. It's with sadness that I learned about your illness. Having been seriously sick for more than 11 years, I share with you my prayers and love. I wish you recovery completely. Despite stepping down from office in 1992, Tita Cory has continued exerting influence on the country's affairs, lending her name and face, as well as her reputation, to causes that often called the powerful to account. A woman of prayer, Mrs. Aquino's illness prompted Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales to pledge the prayers of all Filipino priests for her recovery. Tita Cory was the symbol of People Power and an inspiration to others around the world struggling against tyranny. To Filipinos, who are devoutly Catholic, she was both Mater Dolorosa and Joan of Arc. Thank you for everything you've done for our people and our country. You and your husband truly cared about us, and brought us hope. You are one of the greatest Filipinos. The Filipino people love you, tita Cory! Please get well soon.