MENS SANA IN CORPORE SANO

FRANCES JOANNA DE LEON-ABUAN

A healthy mind in a healthy body, the dictum is widely used in sporting and educational context to express the theory that physical exercise is an important or essential part in developing a healthy mind. The promotion of physical fitness consciousness and mass interest in sports alongside with national integration and cultural goals must be the main thrust in sports program. The athletic program was introduced in the Philippines by the Americans. But the dictum believed already by our National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal when he was still young , he was involved in gymnastics, bodybuilding, fencing, wrestling, fencing . Dr. Rizal was able to established a school in Dapitan and he was able to put a judo, fencing, arnis during his captivity during the colonial years of Spain. The aim of public school system according to Luther B. Bewley was to train the youth of the land in the most practical manner to be of the greatest service in self-government. In the development of this school system , there come into play fundamental objectives.. to keep in operation a curriculum well developed physically, mentally and morally for useful citizenship.

In 2003-2004, Deped under then Secretary Edilberto de Jesus laid the groundwork for a program-from Good Health to Great Sports. Sadly, that program is not continued today.

Grade 1-3: focus on health and nutrition with in school deeding as the core intervention. Goal: Good health and proper nutrition

Grade4 through HS: Engage all children in physical education and a physical fitness twice during the school year based on existing international norms. Goal: Physical fitness at world norms

Grade 5 through HS: Introduce team sports to inculcate teamwork in competition and individual sports. Goal: Sportmanship and team camarader i e.

Encourage intramural and interschool athletics at different levels leading up to palaro. Goal: Identification and nurturing of sports talents.

Our nation is depending on youth and the strength of our nation is depending on the strength of every citizen.

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The author is SST I (Physical Education, Health and Music) at Gutad National High School, Floridablanca, Pampanga