PHILIPPINE SCHOOL OF SPORTS:

Achieving Social Inclusion, Character Development and Patriotic Empowerment

through Inclusive Sports Education

Marion Jeuss C. Garcia

Bachelor of Science in Architecture

University of Santo Tomas

College of Architecture

Abstract

This study puts emphasis on Inclusive Sports as one of the key areas of Character Development
and Nation Building and its relation to the built environment. Given equal opportunities to express
themselves in sports, student-athletes, both with or without disabilities, regain values such as self-
confidence, respect, discipline, leadership and perseverance. According to Greene, sports and team play
enable the students to perform better both in schools as well as later in life. As per Cayetano during Aquino’s
2012 State of the Nation Address, prioritizing sports will also significantly decrease the use of drugs among
the youth.

However, studies show that fewer children are showing interest in athletics, with only .001% of 1.9
million senior high school students pursuing sports (Briones, 2018). Presidents after Ramos have given
little precedence to sports, which has shown in the Philippine team’s results at international competitions.
Laws to improve the budget allocation for sports and the quality of sports facilities has been constantly put
aside by the local governments. Moreover, people with disabilities face additional barriers and social
exclusion in the field of sports and its politics, according to Para Athlete Dumapong-Ancheta.

In accordance to the vision of the Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Paralympic
Committee to support and give the due recognition to Filipino Athletes of all abilities, The Philippine
School of Sports, with its integrated and inclusive sports program and accessible sports and academic
facilities, will engage participation and empower the youth mentally and physically while also promoting
the rights of the people with disabilities. By utilizing the passion and skills that the Filipino youth have for
sports, we will not only have a future of world-class athletes that will represent and eventually bring pride
to the Philippines in international games, but also active citizens who will one day lead the country.