Bienvenido Constantino, Jr.

The month of June is the start of the classes both in private and public schools in the Philippines. This is also the month where most classes are being suspended due to rain or typhoon at worst. This kind of scenario lasts until around the month of August. The month of October is exceptional this year due to the devastating typhoons “Ondoy” and “Pepeng” that destroyed a lot in the Philippines, including facilities in physical education. The Philippines is one of the most devastated countries in the world due to natural calamities like the typhoon.

During these months, physical education activities were affected. All outdoor games were being cancelled due to the unavoidable weather in the country. This is one of the reasons for scheduling dance activities during this season; however, during second grading (Mid-August-October) unexpected rain showers still occur. RECREATIONAL GAMES as an alternative activity works.

Recreational games were actually designed for those who are exempted in physical education activities. But in this case, both able and crippled, and those who were not given the right physical condition play together and were being graded fairly during this season.

Physical Education Exemption in physical education in the country is being allowed especially among those that are not given a good physical condition. It is but normal in the Philippine public schools because of the student’s weak physical capabilities due to inborn or acquired poor health.

Physical fitness testing is being conducted before the physical education activities will commence. Others already visited their doctors, and were given a health certificate informing the PE teachers that the bearer is not physically able. This leads the teacher to give alternative activities to these students in order to make them busy for the entire duration of PE classes. These activities are in the form of recreational fitness.

There have been so many definitions of RECREATION in replacement to physical education. Recreation is defined as:

a. Socially accepted leisure or experience which provides immediate satisfaction to students and;
b. Expression of human interest during his free time.

Recreational activities do not require so much movement of the entire body, and it does not require the entire body to flex or perspire due to body movement. Most recreational activities are more focused on intellectual aspect. Recreational activities also offer an opportunity to develop lessons towards good sportsmanship, relaxation, leadership (activities for group games); reduced academic and scholastic inferiority complex; promotion of friendship, problem solving; and best of all satisfaction.

The following are the most common indoor recreational activities:
a. Dart
b. Monopoly
c. Scrabble
d. Chess/Dama
e. Games of the General

These recreational games are made available in schools (particularly in private schools) for unexpected instances and special cases of students. It is the aims of DepEd to educate everyone in any way necessary, particularly in physical education. Basic education in the country is totally free. No students in the country are deprived of proper education. When there are few cases to be deprived of education in the Philippines, it is maybe due to geographical hindrances.

Students in the Philippines enjoying some board games during PE classes

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