Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 9850)
The title of Republic Act No. 9850 is 'An Act Declaring Arnis as the National Martial Art and Sport of the Philippines.'
The State policy is to inculcate patriotism, nationalism, and appreciation of national heroes and symbols, prioritize education, science and technology, arts and culture, and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and development.
Arnis is defined as an indigenous Filipino martial art and sport characterized by swinging and twirling movements, striking, thrusting, and parrying techniques for defense and offense, usually done with one or two sticks or similar implements, or with bare hands and feet, following similar principles as those with canes.
Other names for Arnis include Eskrima, Kali, Garrote, Pananandata (Tagalog), Pagkalikali (Ibanag), Kabaraon and Kalirongan (Pangasinan), Kaliradman (Bisaya), and Didja (Ilokano).
The Act mandates the inscription of the symbol of Arnis in the official seal of the Philippine Sports Commission.
Arnis shall be the first sport competition played by participating teams on the first day of the annual Palarong Pambansa.
The Philippine Sports Commission is the lead agency tasked with implementing the provisions of the Act.
The Department of Education, the National Commission for Culture and Arts, and the Philippine Sports Commission are tasked to promulgate the necessary rules and regulations.
Any law, decree, executive order, rule, or regulation that conflicts or is inconsistent with this Act is repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
The Act took effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two newspapers of general circulation.