Bachmann backs increased PE hours

PSC chairman Dickie Bachmann–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chair Richard Bachmann will push for the return of extensive Physical Education (PE) hours in the hopes of tapping into a wider base for talent-identification.

“More athletes can be discovered by giving priority to PE, [athletes] who can someday compete for our country in international competitions,’’ said Bachmann.

Bachmann plans to sit with new Education Secretary Sonny Angara to pitch for the return of PE’s daily schedule to school curriculum.

“When I grew up it’s at least one hour every day. I remember perspiring as we went to the next class after PE. We always looked forward to these PE classes,’’ said Bachmann.

Bachmann is riding the momentum of President Marcos’ State of the Nation Address, where the chief executive said it’s high time that the call to increase the physical education hours in schools should be taken seriously.

“We will continue to support these health-enhancing sports programs,’’ said Mr. Marcos. “Through these, we will also send forth our youth on the same well-established path that has taken some of our national champions and renowned athletes to sporting greatness.’’

PE was a staple in daily school activities until the 1980s before the Education department, then known as Department of Education, Culture and Sports, reduced PE hours dramatically.

Collaborate

“I heard that PE classes have decreased over the years with some schools allowing their students to play and compete in sports for only 45 minutes every two weeks,’’ said Bachmann.

The Department of Education (DepEd) continues to host and organize the annual Palarong Pambansa that showcases the top student-athletes across the country in the elementary and secondary levels.

It’s the biggest gathering of promising athletes from the 17 regions in the country with a massive attendance of over 10,000 athletes, coaches and officials in at least 20 sports in a weeklong meet that Cebu City hosted early this month.

Bachmann said the PSC, the government’s arm in sports, is willing to collaborate with the DepEd on the training of coaches that could mold these kids properly.

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“We hope we could help the PE teachers become certified coaches through the NSAs (national sports associations),’’ said Bachmann. INQ