Press Release
December 10, 2019

Sponsorship Speech Senate Resolution No. 236
RESOLUTION COMMENDING HON. JUAN MIGUEL F. ZUBIRI FOR LEADING THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL TEAM FOR ARNIS TO RESOUNDING VICTORY IN THE 30TH SOUTHEAST ASIAN GAMES, AND THEREBY ENGAGING INTEREST AND APPRECIATION FOR THE SPORT AMONG PHILIPPINE AND INTERNATIONAL AUDIENCES ALIKE

Monday, December 9, 2019 Session Hall, Senate of the Philippines

Delivered by Hon. Win Gatchalian, Senator of the Republic:

It is with great pride that I stand here today as we are on the last leg of the 30th SEA Games. Please allow me to congratulate the Philippine organizers for a job well done in bringing the games successfully into our homes and into the whole ASEAN region. The Philippines currently leads the medal tally and is about to be declared as the over-all champion.

The 30th SEA Games is both memorable and historic for our country because Arnis, our very own indigenous national martial art and sport, was featured as a competitive sport in the games. Our Arnis players gave us the largest single-sport medal haul in the games with 14 golds, 4 silver medals, and 2 bronze medals. They all excelled in the Live Stick, Distaff, Padded Stick, and Anyo categories.

With the fervent support of our countrymen, our Arnis players did not only win a resounding victory but has brought great national pride to the country.

The biggest and most passionate supporter of the sport is our very member of this august chamber. He has always been an ardent supporter of Arnis for the longest time. He personally oversaw the events and ensured that our Arnis players got everything they needed for that winning and stellar performance. My dear colleagues, allow me to be the first to officially congratulate our Majority Floor Leader, and a good friend of mine, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri for a job well done by consistently and steadfastly promoting and supporting our Philippine Team for Arnis.

Ten years ago, Senator Zubiri authored and spearheaded the passage of Republic Act No. 9850, otherwise known as the Act Declaring Arnis as the National Martial Art and Sport of the Philippines. The Act is aimed at promoting and developing the sport, especially among our youth. In order to strengthen the practice of Arnis and unify its many practitioners nationwide, he led the establishment of the Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation or PEKAF in 2017.

As the President and Chairman of PEKAF, he hosted regional competitions and training camps to develop the skills of players to prepare them for international competitions. Early this year, PEKAF was declared as the National Sports Association for Arnis by the Philippine Olympic Committee -making it the regulating body for the practice of Arnis across the nation.

Arnis was last featured during our hosting of the 2005 SEA Games. This year, it is recognized as a regular sport in the SEA Games with the countries of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar competing for the sport.

For whole heartedly providing leadership development for Arnis and for his impassioned support for the players who gave honor to our country, I strongly believe that the Majority Floor Leader deserves commendation from this honorable body.

Therefore, Mr. President, and my dear colleagues, I urge this august chamber in officially acknowledging and commending Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri for his unwavering commitment and leadership in making Arnis a proud Filipino sport in our country and overseas.

Thank you Mr. President.

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