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the discipline is viewed today. The ancient Greek tradition of the Olympic Games, which originated in the early
8th century BC. even continues today. The Father of Modern Physical Education that we know of today was
Friedrich Ludwig Jahn. Although Jahn was highly political within Germany, his contributions to Physical
Education (mostly in Gymnastics) as a discipline are still seen today.

What is Physical Education?

Physical Education (PE) is the interdisciplinary study of all areas of science relating to the transmission of
physical knowledge and skills to an individual or a group, the application of these skills, and their results.

Physical Education is an important segment of general education which aims to contribute to the total
development of the learner through participation in selected activities. It provides opportunities to acquire
lifelong skills that are essential to his physical, mental, social, and emotional development.

It can also be viewed as a program of activities in a school curriculum that involves sports, games, dance,
gymnastics, and recreational activities. Great emphasis is placed on motor skills, fitness, health, recreation and
safety. It is the vital and integral part of general education designed to promote the optimum development of
the individual physically, socially, emotionally, and mentally through total body movement in the performance of
properly selected physical activities.

OBJECTIVES OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The primary aims of physical education vary historically, based on the needs of the time and place. Often,
many different types of physical education occur simultaneously, some intentionally and others not. Most
modern school systems claim their intent is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, capacities, and values
along with the enthusiasm to maintain a healthy lifestyle into adulthood. Some schools also require physical
education as a way to promote weight loss in students. Activities included in the program are designed to
promote physical fitness, to develop motor skills, to instill knowledge and understanding of rules, concepts, and
strategies, and to teach students to work as part of a team, or as individuals, in a wide variety of competitive
activities.

The following objectives of Physical Education are viewed and stated in terms of their contribution to the
outcomes of education and which justify the existence of physical education in the curriculum.

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Physical Development

Through carefully selected physical education activities, an individual who participates actively will develop and
maintain good health and high level of physical fitness. The acquisition of physical skills can motivate an
individual to participate further in physical activities: hence, healthy growth and development of each learner
will be enhanced.
Social Development

Participation in Physical Education activities provides opportunities for the acquisition and practice of desirable
social traits necessary for adjustment to happy living and to the social life in general. Some worthwhile traits
are:

> Friendliness

>Cooperation

>Respect for the rights of others

>Good sportsmanship

>Good leadership and followership Honesty in group competition

Emotional Development

The informal nature of physical education offers opportunities for the development of expression and emotional
traits needed for emotional mastery like:

>Self confidence
>Courage
>Self control
>Self reliance
>Determination
> Personal Discipline

Mental Development

Through participation in Physical Education activities the individual develops his mental capacities as he learns
the mechanical principles of underlying movement, as the learner acquires knowledge and understanding of
rules and

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strategies of games and sports as well as dance instructions, as he discovers ways of improving his
movements in gymnastics and dance, and the ability to analyze and give judgments.

LEGAL BASIS OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION

"The practice of Physical Education and Sports is a fundamental right for

all. "And this night should not be treated as different in principle from the right to adequate food, shelter, and
medical care."

Article XIV, section 19, 1986 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines

"The State shall promote Physical Education and encourage sports programs, league competitions, and
amateur sports including training for international competition to foster self-discipline, teamwork, and
excellence for the development of a healthy and alert citizenry."

"All educational institutions shall undertake regular sports activities throughout

the country and in cooperation with athletic club and other sectors."

BASIC PHYSICAL EDUCATION IN COLLEGE

The services Physical Education refers to the four subjects given to the freshmen and sophomores in the first
four semesters of their college work as stipulated in the DECS Order No. 58, series of 1990.

Physical Education 1: Physical Fitness and Self-Testing Activities It covers the essentials of physical fitness
components and self-testing

activities.
Physical Education 2: Rhythmic Activities

It is focused on the rhythm, fundamental rhythmic activities, dance mixers, local and foreign dances, as well as
social dances.

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Physical Education 3: Individual/Dual Sports/Games

It deals with the acquisition of skills on recreational activities such as bowling; table tennis, badminton, track
and field events, and to foster love of country, "mga laro ng lahi" are, likewise, given.

Physical Education 4: Team Sports

VALUES OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The value of physical education activities are found in the resulting development and adjustment of the
individual. Engaging in any activity stimulates in some degree the four types of development although different
activities emphasize different amounts. Regular exercise and physical activity are extremely important and
beneficial for long-term health and well-being.

Health Benefits of Exercise and Physical Activity

1. Reduce the risk of premature death.

2. Reduce the risk of developing and/or dying from heart disease

3. Reduce high blood pressure or the risk of developing high blood pressure.

4, Reduce high cholesterol or the risk of developing high cholesterol.

5. Reduce the risk of developing colon cancer and breast cancer.

6. Reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

7. Reduce or maintain body weight or body fat.

8. Build and maintain healthy muscles, bones, and joints.

9. Reduce depression and anxiety.

10. Improve psychological well-being..

11. Enhance work, recreation, and sports performance.