The traditional Filipino games such as "lato-lato" which have gained popularity among children, youth as well as adults are being advocated to be kept alive in the country.
The House Committee on Youth and Sports Development together with the Committee on Appropriations has endorsed House Bill 8466, also known as the "Philippine Indigenous Games Preservation Act."
The bill promotes the organization of annual regional and national competitions for various indigenous sports, including patintero (a tag game), syato (jackstones), bunong-braso (arm wrestling), ginnuyudan (tug-of-war), hilahang-lubid (rope skipping), kadang-kadang (sack race), luksong-tinik (leapfrog), and many more.
The proposal aims to preserve the rich cultural heritage and raise awareness of the significance of traditional games for the well-being of Filipinos, especially the youth.
Once enacted into law, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) will be tasked with organizing annual indigenous sports competitions in collaboration with local governments.
The bill also mandates the NCIP along with other government agencies to incorporate these games into the curriculum and produce educational materials to encourage and strengthen the practice of indigenous games.
