The indigenous communities in the Philippines are an essential part of our country's history and culture. These people have their unique traditions and customs which have been passed through the generations. The preservation of their culture and traditions is not just about safeguarding the past time, its about honoring the roots of our society and understanding the values that have shaped Filipino communities for centuries.
Like in sports, different kinds of indigenous people have their own unique games and rules on how to play the game. During our group interview with Philippine Sports Commissioner Mr. Fritz Gaston and Veteran Sports Journalist Mr. Lito Cinco, highlighted a range of traditional sports that showcase the unique skills and mastery of indigenous communities. Pana (archery), panit lubi (fast coconut husking through the use of mouth), kadang-kadang (a race on bamboo stilts or coconut husk), palo sebo (participants climb a greasy pole to retrieve prize), tumba patis (a variation of tumbang preso), bangkaw (spear throwing), trompo (spinning top), bayo gisig (pounding rice grains) and giling mais (corn grinding). It shows that even in what they do as a part of their everyday life like pounding of rice grains and corn grinding, some IP groups included this as part of their traditional games. For them its not just a sport but a part of their everyday life.
But as we all know our traditional/indigenous games is at risk due to declining popularity. The displacement of these games by modern digital options and the lack of recognition and preservation efforts are contributing factors. The influence of Western culture and media on children's preferences for modern games poses a threat to the rich tradition of Filipino games.
That is why the Philippines Sports Commission (PSC) come up with a campaign called "Batang Pinoy" that helps promote traditional games. Batang Pinoy is consist of elementary to high school students which is the primary target of the campaign. It is held every year and demonstrates how to play the traditional games to young people to prevent them in playing games on their gadgets, it also improves their mental and musculoskeletal health, reduces the other risk factors such as overweight and obesity. This way it will not only preserve our traditional games but also instilling cultural pride and values in the younger generations.
Joana Joy Cabarlo
BSMLS 1-A
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