Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 9850)
The main purpose of Republic Act No. 9850 is to declare Arnis as the national martial art and sport of the Philippines and to promote patriotism, nationalism, and appreciation of Filipino culture through the recognition of Arnis.
The State prioritizes 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 an indigenous Filipino martial art and sport characterized by swinging and twirling movements, striking, thrusting, and parrying techniques using one or two sticks or similar implements, or bare hands and feet. It includes various regional names such as Eskrima, Kali, Pananandata, Pagkalikali, Kabaraon, Kaliradman, and Didja.
Some regional names for Arnis include Eskrima, Kali, Garrote, Pananandata (Tagalog), Pagkalikali (Ibanag), Kabaraon and Kalirongan (Pangasinan), Kaliradman (Bisaya), and Didja (Ilokano).
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is designated as the lead agency to implement the provisions of Republic Act No. 9850.
Arnis is officially adopted as the national martial art and sport by inscribing the symbol of Arnis on the official seal of the Philippine Sports Commission and by making it the first sport competition to be played by participating teams on the first day of the annual Palarong Pambansa.
The Department of Education, the National Commission for Culture and Arts, and the Philippine Sports Commission are responsible for promulgating necessary rules and regulations to implement RA 9850.
Any provision of law, decree, executive order, rule, or regulation that is inconsistent or in conflict with RA 9850 shall be repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
RA 9850 took effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two newspapers of general circulation.
The policy emphasizes inculcating patriotism, nationalism, and appreciation of national heroes and symbols in the historical development of the country, alongside prioritizing education, culture, and sports.