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Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

Physical activity can be defined as any movement of the body that requires energy

expenditure. This includes any motion you do through the day excluding sitting still or

lying down. For example, walking to class, taking the stairs, mowing the lawn, and even

cleaning your house can be considered physical activity. Exercise is a type of physical

activity but not every physical activity is exercise. Exercise is a planned, structured, and

repetitive activity for the purpose of improving or maintains physical fitness. (k-

state.edu)

Physical activity is also defined as any bodily movement that is carried out by

skeletal muscles and requires energy. Simple movements such as standing up or walking

to the mailbox, require little energy or effort, but are still forms of physical activity. More

intense physical activity would include activities such as running, playing tennis, and

shoveling snow. (dictionary.com)

When children and adolescents participate in at least 60 minutes of physical

activity every day, multiple health benefits accrue. Regular physical activity builds

healthy bones and muscles, improves muscular strength and endurance, reduces the risk

for developing chronic disease risk factors, improves self-esteem, and reduces stress and

anxiety. Beyond these known health effects, physical activity may also have beneficial

influences on academic performance.

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The benefits of participating in regular physical activity are both physical and

mental. Being physically fit not only helps make activities of everyday living easier, it

also helps us look better, and feel better about ourselves. Unfortunately, many people do

not get the recommended amount of physical activity necessary for health benefits.

Approximately 54% of the worldwide populations are not regularly active, and 15% get

absolutely no physical activity at all. It's true that society has made it more difficult for

us to be physically active with the technological advances that have made our lives

become very sedentary. But this is also having a huge impact on our health, and not in a

good way. Therefore, we must make a conscious effort to be physically active every day.

Physical activity is complex behavior, however, and may be meaningfully

partitioned into other categories mutually exclusive of each other but not necessarily of

those mentioned previously. Examples might be to divide all physical activities into those

that are of light, moderate, or heavy intensity; those that are willful or compulsory; or

those that are weekday or weekend activities. All of these are acceptable ways of

subdividing physical activity. The only requirement is that the subdivisions be mutually

exclusive and that they sum to the total caloric expenditure due to physical activity.

There are undoubtedly many methods of categorizing daily physical activity.

Each system would allow measurement not only of total calories expended but also of the

calories expended in a variety of subcategories, any one of which may relate to a specific

aspect of health. Distinction between an evenly accumulated total caloric expenditure and

an unevenly accumulated total expenditure is possible. In this manner, individuals and

groups can be described by the absolute energy expenditure for a specific category, by

the relative contribution of that category to total energy expenditure, or both. To the
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extent that each of the categories has different determinants and different health effects,

these categorical distinctions have both epidemiologic utility and public health

implications in terms of promotion and intervention strategies.

Physical activity helps keep our bodies strong and is important for the health of

our muscles, bones, and joints. Physically fit individuals are more likely to live a higher

quality of life, and are less likely to develop heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure,

diabetes, and many other degenerative diseases. (sharecare.com)

Several elements of physical activity have been identified. The amount of energy

required to accomplish an activity can be measured in kilojoules (kJ) or kilocalories

(kcal); 4.184 kJ is essentially equivalent to 1 kcal. Technically, the kJ is preferred

because it is a measure of energy expenditure; however, historically the kcal, a measure

of heat, has been employed more often. Expressed as a rate (kcal per unit time), the

amount of energy expended by each person is a continuous variable, ranging from low to

high. The total amount of caloric expenditure associated with physical activity is

determined by the amount of muscle mass producing bodily movements and the intensity,

duration, and frequency of muscular contractions.

Everyone performs physical activity in order to sustain life; however, the amount

is largely subject to personal choice and may vary considerably from person to person as

well as for a given person over time. The most common units of time used to refer to

kcals spent in physical activity are the week and the day. Physical activity during

monthly, seasonal, or yearly periods may also be examined to establish the stability of

physical activity for longer time periods.

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The exercise boom is not just a fad; it is a return to ‘natural’ activity - the kind for

which our bodies are engineered and which facilitates the proper function of our

biochemistry and physiology. Viewed through the perspective of evolutionary time,

sedentary existence, possible for great numbers of people only during the last century,

represents a transient, unnatural aberration. (Eaton et. al 1988)

This chapter examines the historical development of physical activity promotion

as a means to improve health among entire populations. The chapter focuses on Western

(i.e., Greco-Roman) history, because of the near-linear development of physical activity

promotion across those times and cultures leading to current American attitudes and

guidelines regarding physical activity. To flesh out this narrow focus on Western

traditions, as well as to provide a background for the promotional emphasis of the

chapter, this chapter begins by briefly outlining both anthropological and historical

evidence of the central, "natural" role of physical activity in prehistoric cultures. Mention

is also made of the historical prominence of physical activity in non-Greco-Roman

cultures, including those of China, India, Africa, and pre-colonial America.

Archaeologists working in conjunction with medical anthropologists have

established that our ancestors up through the beginning of the Industrial Revolution

incorporated strenuous physical activity as a normal part of their daily lives - and not

only for the daily, subsistence requirements of their "work" lives. Investigations of

preindustrial societies still intact today confirm that physical capability was not just a

grim necessity for success at gathering food and providing shelter and safety. Physical

activity was enjoyed throughout everyday prehistoric life, as an integral component of

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religious, social, and cultural expression. Food supplies for the most part were plentiful,

allowing ample time for both rest and recreational physical endeavors.

In ancient China as early as 3000 to 1000 B.C., the classic Yellow Emperor’s

Book of Internal Medicine (Huang Ti 1949) first described the principle that human

harmony with the world was the key to prevention and that prevention was the key to

long life (Shampo and Kyle 1989). These principles grew into concepts that became

central to the 6th century Chinese philosophy Taoism, where longevity through simple

living attained the status of a philosophy that has guided Chinese culture through the

present day. Tai chi chuan, an exercise system that teaches graceful movements, began as

early as 200 B.C. with Hua T’o and has recently been shown to decrease the incidence of

falls in elderly Americans. (Huard and Wong 1968)

In India, too, proper diet and physical activity were known to be essential

principles of daily living. The Ajur Veda, a collection of health and medical concepts

verbally transmitted as early as 3000 B.C., developed into Yoga, a philosophy that

included a comprehensively elaborated series of stretching and flexibility postures. The

principles were first codified in 600 B.C. in the Upanishads and later in the Yoga Sutras

by Patanjali sometime between 200 B.C. and 200 A.D. Yoga philosophies also asserted

that physical suppleness, proper breathing, and diet were essential to control the mind and

emotions and were prerequisites for religious experience. In both India and China during

this period, the linking of exercise and health may have led to the development of a

medical subspecialty that today would find its equivalent in sports medicine (Snook

1984).
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Though less directly concerned with physical health than with social and religious

attainment, physical activity played a key role in other ancient non-Greco-Roman

cultures. In Africa, systems of flexibility, agility, and endurance training not only

represented the essence of martial arts capability but also served as an integral component

of religious ritual and daily life. The Samburu and the Masai of Kenya still feature

running as a virtue of the greatest prowess, linked to manhood and social stature.

Similarly, in American Indian cultures, running was a prominent feature of all

major aspects of life (Nabokov 1981). Long before the Europeans invaded, Indians ran to

communicate, to fight, and to hunt. Running was also a means for diverse American

Indian cultures to enact their myths and thereby construct a tangible link between

themselves and both the physical and metaphysical worlds. Among the Indian peoples

Nabokov cites are the Mesquakie of Iowa, the Chemeheuvi of California, the Inca of

Peru, the Zuni and other Pueblo peoples of the American Southwest, and the Iroquois of

the American East, who also developed the precursor of modern-day lacrosse. Even

today, the Tarahumarahe of northern Mexico play a version of kickball that involves

entire villages for days at a time (Nabokov 1981).

The word "health" refers to a state of complete emotional and physical well-being.

Healthcare exists to help people maintain this optimal state of health. Health can be

defined as physical, mental, and social wellbeing, and as a resource for living a full life. It

refers not only to the absence of disease, but the ability to recover and bounce back from

illness and other problems. Factors for good health include genetics, the environment,

relationships, and education. A healthful diet, exercise, screening for diseases, and coping

strategies can all enhance a person's health. (medicalnewstoday.com)

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Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not

merely the absence of disease or infirmity. In 1986, the WHO further clarified that health

is: A resource for everyday life, not the objective of living. Health is a positive concept

emphasizing social and personal resources, as well as physical capacities. This means that

health is a resource to support an individual's function in wider society. A healthful

lifestyle provides the means to lead a full life. More recently, researchers

have defined health as the ability of a body to adapt to new threats and infirmities. They

base this on the idea that modern science has dramatically increased human awareness of

diseases and how they work in the last few decades. (World Health Organization)

Physical health is defined as the condition of your body, taking into consideration

everything from the absence of disease to fitness level. Physical health is critical for

overall well-being, and can be affected by: lifestyle: diet, level of physical activity, and

behavior (for instance, smoking); human biology: a person’s genetics and physiology

may make it easier or harder to achieve good physical health; environment: our

surroundings and exposure to factors such as sunlight or toxic substances; healthcare

service: good healthcare can help prevent illness, as well as detect and treat illness.

Statement of the Problem

This study aimed to determine the effects of physical activities on one’s health

level of any individual. Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions:

1. What are the effects of physical activity to one’s health?

2. What are the benefits acquired in doing physical activity?

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Significance of the Study

The study, bringing relevance to the field of kinesiology and health sciences, is

recognized as having the potential to elucidate the effects of physical activities on the

health of an individual. The results of the study would have valuable contributions to the

following:

Students. This study helps students to have better grades, school attendance, and

cognitive performance and classroom behaviors. Additionally, it also helps to improve

students’ focus on school work, as well as help them lead happier, healthier lives.

Idle people. This study can help children and adolescents improve

cardiorespiratory fitness, build strong bones and muscles, control weight, reduce

symptoms of anxiety and depression, and reduce the risk of developing health.

Workplace. This study can help maintain a healthier workforce. A healthier

workforce can benefit from reduced direct costs associated with health care expenses.

Also has potential to increase employees’ productivity, reduce absenteeism, and increase

morale.

Future Researchers. This study may have provided relevant data on the effects

of physical activities to an individual’s health. Hence, this can be a reliable related study

for the future researchers.

Physical Education (PE) Teachers. This study would bring PE teachers to have

the responsibility to teach skills that students will need to participate in physical activity
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outside of the physical education class and skills they will need for a lifetime of physical

activity.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This study determines the effects of physical activity on one’s health ofrandomly

selected student athletes at Moncada Catholic School (MCS) at Poblacion 4, Moncada,

Tarlac during the school year 2019-2020.

The sample sections belong to the different student athletes, which were selected

through simple random sampling. These were limited to the student athletes who were

officially enrolled at Moncada Catholic School. Specifically, they were the student

athletes from junior to senior high.

To figure out the health of the students having physical activities, and to

determine the importance of physical activities on one’s health, the researchers chose

sixty-nine (69) student athletes within the different sections and school levels. This

means that the exceeding student athletes were excluded to be the respondents of the

study.

Definition of Terms

The following terms are defined operationally and conceptually for easier

understanding:

Expenditure. An amount of time, energy, effort, etc., that is used to do

something. This refers how much energy is used when doing physical activities.
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Determinants. An element that identifies or determines the nature of something

or that fixes or conditions an outcome. It is used in the study as contributing factors to

achieve a healthy body.

Sedentary. Doing or involving a lot of sitting, not doing or involving much

physical activity. Your body will not function well and you’re easy to get sick.

Epidemiologic. A branch of medical science that deals with the incidence,

distribution, and control of disease in a population. It is used to convey how physical

activities influence an individual to have a disease-free body.

Stability. The quality, state or degree of being stable. Being stable means that

your body is physically fit and not susceptible to diseases.

Endeavor. It is the activity directed toward a goal. This refers to work with

determined effort to achieve your goal.

Kinesiology. The scientific study of the principles of mechanics and anatomy in

relation to human movement. It is used to explain the connection between physical

activities to the human body.

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Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter presents a comprehensive review of literature and studies conducted

which were related and relevant to the present study.

Related Literature

According to Nuefer (2015) in his article entitled “Cell Metabolism”, the

beneficial effects of physical activity are well documented, yet the mechanisms by which

physical activity prevents disease and improves health outcomes are poorly understood.

To identify major gaps in knowledge and potential strategies for catalyzing progress in

the field, the National Institutes of Health convened a workshop in late October 2014

entitled “Understanding the Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Physical Activity-

Induced Health Benefits.” Presentations and discussions emphasized the challenges

imposed by the integrative and intermittent nature of physical activity, the tremendous

discovery potential of applying “-omics” technologies to understand interorgan crosstalk

and biological networking systems during physical activity, and the need to establish an

infrastructure of clinical trial sites with sufficient expertise to incorporate mechanistic

outcome measures into adequately sized human physical activity trials. Identification of

the mechanisms that underlie the link between physical activity and improved health

holds extraordinary promise for discovery of novel therapeutic targets and development

of personalized exercise medicine.

Also, Kettunen (2015) in his book entitled “Effects of Physical Activity and

Fitness on the Psychological wellbeing of Young Men and Working Adults: Associations

with Stress, Mental Resources, Overweight and Workability”, the objective of the present
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thesis was to assess the relationship between physical activity and physical fitness with

stress symptoms, mental resources and workability among young men and working

adults. Physically inactive subjects reported more stress and less available mental

resources than the subjects who reported high physical activity levels. Improved physical

fitness was associated with less stress and more mental resources among normal weight

men, but not in overweight men. After a 12-month exercise intervention, employees in

the exercise group increased their physical activity, improved workability, decreased

stress symptoms and improved their physical fitness and mental resources. After the

follow-up year, work ability and stress were improved, compared to baseline. In this

thesis, good physical fitness was associated with improved psychological wellbeing

among young men and working adults.

Furthermore, Lynch et al. 2019 in their article entitled “Approaches to Improve

Causal Inference in Physical Activity Epidemiology” stated that it is not always clear

whether physical activity is causally related to health outcomes, or whether the

associations are induced through confounding or other biases. Randomized controlled

trials of physical activity are not feasible when outcomes of interest are rare or develop

over many years. Thus, we need methods to improve causal inference in observational

physical activity studies. We provide a brief overview of some contemporary

epidemiological methods that are beginning to be used in physical activity research.

Adoption of these methods will help build a stronger body of evidence for the health

benefits of physical activity.

Moreover, Oliveira 2019 in their article entitled “ACL Injury, Physical Activity,

and Overweight/Obesity: A Vicious Cycle” said that above-normal weight is a

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worldwide public health problem and an important risk factor for cardiovascular

diseases and premature death. Complications generated by overweight/obesity are

estimated at $75–$117 billion per annum in the United States. In this context, regular

physical activity is fundamental in managing weight and preventing related problems

such as cardiovascular diseases and musculoskeletal disorders. Overweight/obesity is an

independent risk factor for musculoskeletal injuries, while increased body mass index

may be a predisposing factor for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. While current

literature has focused on the association between weight and future ACL injury, there

has been little emphasis on physical activity and overweight implication after ACL

injury.

Stone et al. (2016), in their article on “Physical, Psychological and Emotional

Benefits of Green Physical Activity: An Ecological Dynamics Perspective” conveyed that

increasing evidence supports the multiple benefits to physical, psychological and

emotional wellbeing of green physical activity, a topic of increasing interest in the past

decade. Research has revealed a synergistic benefit of green physical activity, which

includes all aspects of exercise and physical activity in the presence of nature. Our

theoretical analysis suggests there are three distinct levels of engagement in green

physical activity, with each level reported to have a positive effect on human behaviors.

However, the extent to which each level of green physical activity benefits health and

wellbeing is assumed to differ, requiring confirmation in future research. This elucidation

of understanding is needed because previous literature has tended to focus on recording

empirical evidence rather than developing a sound theoretical framework to understand

green physical activity effects. Here they proposed an ecological dynamics rationale to
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explain how and why green physical activity might influence health and wellbeing of

different population groups. Their framework suggests a number of unexplored,

interacting constraints related to types of environment and population groups, which

shape reported levels of benefit of green physical activity. Further analysis is needed to

clarify the explicit relationship between green physical activity and health and wellbeing,

including levels of engagement, types of environmental constraints, levels of physical

activity, adventure effects, skill effects and sampling of different populations.

Related Studies

Foreign

Gelius et al. (2019) conducted a study entitled “Nine Types of Recommendations,

Guidelines and Policies: An Exploratory Test of a Proposed Typology of Physical

Activity Promotion Document” where they are considering the abundance of documents

being issued on the subject, one might easily conclude that we are living in the golden

age of physical activity promotion. Labeled as recommendations, guidelines, good

practice documents, policies, strategies, action plans, and calls for action by various

actors at both national and international level, these documents have defined how much

physical activity one should do, what type of interventions organizations and

governments should pursue to promote physical activity, or even which public policies

should be implemented to promote physical activity at the population level.

Another is Mburu-Matiba (2015) in his thesis “The Impact of Exercise (Physical

Activity) and Healthy Lifestyle (Eating) Among the Youth: A Literature Review”

articulated the theory of self-determination, a theory of” human motivation” has been

applied extensively to the understanding of exercise behavior. The theory proposes that
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individuals have three basic physiological needs: autonomy, competence and relatedness.

When these three basic physiological needs are satisfied an individual inherent activity

will be supported optimal motivation will be promoted and positive psychological

development and behavior outcomes will be produced. The theory of self-determination

supports the literature review findings that people who engage in physical activity and eat

healthy food have a higher chance of living a healthy lifestyle contribute to arrange of

positive outcomes, such as mental health social well-being and academic performance.

Research also links regular exercise with reductions in heart disease, diabetes, depression,

weight management which are all important health outcomes and contributors of quality

life. Research has also shown correlations between those who are physically active and

participate in team sport are less likely to engage in unhealthy behavior such as substance

abuse that those not engaged. Further, physical inactivity as research shows, has a

relationship with less healthy lifestyle, poor education progress and poor perceived

health. Other notable benefits of exercise are the alleviation of negative symptoms

associated with social well-being such as low self-esteem and depression. The nurse can

very simply explain and encourage the youth in the safe and healthy way to improve the

body both physically and mentally.

Serafica et. al (2017) in their research “Assessing Physical Activity Levels in

Filipino Americans with Hypertension Using the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity

Questionnaire” stated that regular physical activity decreases the risks of cardiovascular

disease and premature death. Little research has been conducted among Filipino

Americans about their level of physical activity. Using the validated Rapid Assessment of

Physical Activity, they examined the activity level of Filipino Americans (n = 108) from
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the southwest region of the United States and compared the findings with national

physical activity guidelines. The sample mean was 65 years, 98% were born in the

Philippines, 31% had some college education, 71% were married and 40% had incomes

less than 25, 000. The mean blood pressure was 140/85 mmHg. The mean score for

physical activity level was 5 (max level is 7) and for the strength flexibility is 1 (max

level is 3), which is less than the recommended guidelines. Lifestyle strategies to increase

physical activity and reduce obesity and hypertension in this high risk, understudied

population are warranted.

Moreover, physical activity can reduce the harmful effects of stressors, has

beneficial effects on brain function and associates with lower stress reactivity in children.

In addition, physical activity in adults associate with various health outcomes, including

less anxiety and depressive symptoms, elevated mood, improved self-esteem, enhanced

physical self-perception, self-efficacy, better cognitive functioning, greater health related

quality of life, and efficient stress prevention and reduction. Furthermore, the evidence

for both protective and reducing effects of regular physical activity on depression is

substantial. Reviews and meta-analyses of studies conducted among adults demonstrate a

significant medium to large effect of physical activity on clinical depression and also

medium effect on depressive symptoms in non-clinical populations. The effects of

intensity and duration of the physical activity are unclear but frequency, or becoming

physically active instead of sedentary, is the most important factor. There is also

increasing evidence for the positive effects of physical activity on adolescents’ mental

health. Although often small to medium significant effect sizes, physical activity

positively influences different mental health outcomes and reduces both clinical
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depression and depressive symptoms, among adolescents. (Baldursdottir 2016 in his

thesis “Physical Activity and Well-being among Adolescents”)

Besides, the benefits of physical activity are plentiful and significant. High levels

of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness (referred to simply as “fitness” in this

article) are associated with lower all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Furthermore,

physical activity can re- duce the development of chronic diseases such as hypertension,

diabetes, stroke, and cancer. Addition- ally, physical activity can promote healthy

cognitive and psychosocial function. An extensive effort to as- certain the benefits from

the current Canadian physical activity guide- lines on all-cause mortality and seven

chronic diseases suggests that the current recommendation for at least 150 minutes of

moderate-to- vigorous aerobic physical activity per week in sessions of 10 minutes or

more is associated with a 20% to 30% lower risk for premature all- cause mortality and

incidence of many chronic diseases. Because the health benefits of activity have been

established and physical inactivity is a modifiable risk factor central to the development

of many chronic diseases, it is imperative that we encourage regular physical exercise for

optimal health. The benefits of physical activity exhibit a dose-response relationship; the

higher the amount of physical activity, the greater the health benefits. However, the most

unfit individuals have the potential for the greatest reduction in risk, even with small

increases in physical activity. Given the significant health benefits afforded by physical

activity, considerable efforts should be made to promote this vital agent of health as

Krahn (2016) stated in his journal “The Health Benefits of Physical Activity and

Cardiorespiratory Fitness”.

Local
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Cabilan (2019) conducted a study about “The Physical Activity, Sedentary

Behavior, Functional Status, and Quality of Life of Colorectal Cancer Patients Within

Six Months After Curative Treatment”. Curative colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment

affords longer survival but its effects can be debilitating. Current evidence focuses on

long-term outcomes of treatment, which leaves a knowledge gap on how patients fare

within the acute timeframe (within six months of treatment). A systematic review of the

literature highlighted a research gap, therefore a prospective observational study was

conducted to understand the acute impact of curative CRC treatment on patients' physical

activity, sedentary behaviour, functional status, and quality of life (QoL). Study results

suggest that the acute timeframe provides an opportunity to improve patients' physical

activity, sedentary behaviour, functional status, and QoL.

Furthermore, Valenzuela et al. (2018) in their cross-sectional study “Physical

activity and dietary habits of Filipino college students: a cross-sectional study” aims

determine the prevalence of regular Physical Activity among college students in a

Philippine setting and the reasons for either adherence to Physical Activity or for being

inactive, to describe Dietary Habits of the students, to compare to Physical Activity

involvement and Dietary Habits across year levels, and to correlate to Physical Activity

and diet behaviors. Data were collected using a self-administered survey questionnaire.

Results showed that only 32.8% of the 1,706 students in this study engaged in regular to

Physical Activity. There were greater proportions of inactivity at higher-year levels

(62.5%, 66.5%, 76.5%, and 84.8% in the first, second, third and fourth year,

respectively). The major reason for inactivity was lack of time, while the students to

Physical Activity adherence was largely due to predisposing factors such as knowledge
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about to Physical Activity, beliefs in benefits and enjoyment of Physical Activity, and

confidence in performing physical activity. About one of every three students in each

year level had below-average to poor dietary habits, meaning they seldom eat proper

types of food. Findings of this study indicate the need for an intervention that will

effectively increase regular to Physical Activity and ensure proper food intake in the

student population.

Meanwhile, Montemayor (2019) in her article “How to Live a Healthy Life”

included Dr. Jamid Jan bin Jan Mohamed’s underscoring the importance of physical

activity in having a long life. He stated that living a sedentary lifestyle is one of the main

factors for heart attack when we don’t walk a lot, we don’t run, we don’t work in the farm

and we just ride the the car and spend most of our time in front of the screen like

television and computers. Mohamed explained that exercising makes our heart beat and

pump. As it does, our arteries are being cleared and explained that when we were born,

our arteries are clean but they become narrower as we grow older and one day there will

be a blood clot and lead to heart attack and stroke.

Regular exercise can offer both general health benefits and diabetes-specific

health benefits. It can decrease the cardiovascular risk by improving lipid profile,

lowering the blood pressure and inducing weight loss. It also affects overall glycemic

control through improved insulin sensitivity and lowered insulin requirements. All of

these health benefits may have a great impact to decrease the risk of diabetes

complications, reduce the progression of existing complications, and improve quality of

life. Many metabolic adaptations occur in response to physical activity and these may

lead to improvement of glycemic control for individuals with diabetes as stated by

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Sandoval et. al 2016 in their journal “Assessment of Physical Activity Level among

Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus at the UP Philippine General Hospital Diabetes

Clinic”.

Based on the study of Dumlao-Abadilla (2017) titled “Most Filipinos Lack

Exercise”, across Asia, the Philippines is among those with the highest percentage of

citizens who don’t exercise regularly mostly due to lack of time, lack of personal

motivation and “distractions” of modern life, based on the latest Sun Life Financial Asia

Health Index. The index – which was drawn from a 2016 survey on Asians’ attitude

towards healthy and active living – showed that 61 percent of mid-income Filipinos don’t

exercise regularly. The Philippines tied with Thailand and Malaysia in having the highest

share of people from the so-called “Generation O” – typically described as “overworked,

overweight and overwhelmed.” Generation O refers to people who feel they are

unhealthy but lack time, facilities, resources or have existing disease problems that

prevent them from going into healthy living. The percentage of people who feel they lack

exercise in the Philippines has increased from 59 percent in the 2015 survey, when the

country also posted one of the worst results apart from Thailand’s 65 percent. Asked to

identify the barriers to living a healthier life, 57 percent of Filipinos blamed it on their

lack of time due to work while 47 percent admitted that it’s due to “lack of personal

motivation.” Some 47 percent also identified “distractions of modern life.” These are the

people who spend a lot of time glued to their gadgets and engaging in social media than

engaging in physical activities. Other key barriers named by Filipino respondents were

cost (45 percent) and the lack of accessible venues to engage in sports and recreation (36

percent). Some 30 percent of respondents also felt they were less healthy compared to
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three years ago. Across the region, the latest survey showed that health satisfaction levels

across Asia dropped to a new low. Another key finding is that failure to exercise is the

main driver of declining health.

Synthesis

Foreign

In the study of Gelius et al. (2019) conducted a study entitled “Nine Types of

Recommendations, Guidelines and Policies: An Exploratory Test of a Proposed

Typology of Physical Activity Promotion Document” and stated there that organizations

and government should pursue to promote physical activity or which public policies

should be implemented to promote physical activity at the population level. This is

related to our present study because it also promotes physical activity which are the main

shortcomings of our government.

Another is Mburu-Matiba (2015) in his thesis “The Impact of Exercise (Physical

Activity) and Healthy Lifestyle (Eating) Among the Youth: A Literature Review” this is

related to our present study because self-determination is very important in doing

physical activity. Without self-determination you will not be able to perform any physical

activity properly.

Serafica et. al (2017) in their research “Assessing Physical Activity Levels in

Filipino Americans with Hypertension Using the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity

Questionnaire” said that rSegular physical activity decreases the risk of cardiovascular

disease and premature death. Cardiovascular disease is a general term for conditions

affecting the heart or blood vessels. Without proper exercise it can increased the risk of
 22

blood clotting. Premature death is occurring before the average age of death is about 75

years. So proper exercise can really help increased our average age of death.

Baldursdottir 2016 in his thesis “Physical Activity and Well-being among

Adolescents” is related in our present study because Baldursdottir stated that physical

activity can reduces both clinical depression and depressive symptoms among

adolescents, and also it is related in our study because it investigates whether physical

activity is associated with better mental wellbeing and reduced symptoms of mental

health disorder in adolescents.

Also, Krahn (2016) in his journal “The Health Benefits of Physical Activity and

Cardiorespiratory Fitness” discussed that there are many benefits of physical activity to

the health of an individual which is significant in our study since it explained about the

dose-response relationship of physical activity to health; the higher the amount of

physical activity, the higher the benefits we can get to it and informed that even unfit

individuals who engages with little physical activity can also experience the benefits of

being healthy.

Local

Cabilan (2019) conducted a study about “The Physical Activity, Sedentary

Behavior, Functional Status, and Quality of Life of Colorectal Cancer Patients Within

Six Months After Curative Treatment” stated that acute timeframe provides an

opportunity to improve patients’ physical activity which is related to our study because

timeframe is indeed necessary in promoting and performing physical activity.

 23

Furthermore, Valenzuela et al. (2018) in their cross-sectional study “Physical

activity and dietary habits of Filipino college students: a cross-sectional study” this is

related to our present study because dietary habits is a must when it comes to physical

activity. Having a physical activity with empty stomach will weakens your body that

result failure in doing physical activity while doing physical activity with healthy diet

will help you to perform physical activity well done.

Meanwhile, Montemayor (2019) in her article “How to Live a Healthy Life” this is

related in our study because Montemayor stated that living a sedentary lifestyle is one of

the main factors for heart attack and also, exercising makes our heart beat and pump. This

topic aims to increase understanding of the impact of one’s practice on person’s motor

skills, psychological well-being, social competence and emotional maturity, and to

recommended practices for young children.

Sandoval et. al 2016 in their journal “Assessment of Physical Activity Level

among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus at the UP Philippine General Hospital

Diabetes Clinic” is related in our study because Sandoval stated that having regular

exercise can offer both general health benefits and diabetes -specific health benefits and

also it is related in our present study because Sandoval says that having regular exercise

have a lot of benefits such as improved insulin sensitivity, lowered insulin requirements

and also regular exercise can improve quality of life.

Moreover, as Dumlao-Abadilla (2017) verbalized in his study entitled “Most

Filipinos Lack Exercise” which stated that Filipinos are the most lacking in exercise in

Asia because of lack of time, lack of personal motivation and “distractions” of modern

life. This is relevant in our study because in his study, he found out that lack of exercise
 24

or physical activities is the main reason why the health of Filipinos are declining in the

Philippines.

Conceptual Framework

The related literature and studies contributed the researcher a more meaningful

help for their present study. The review also revealed the findings of extensive research

on the effect of physical activities on one’s health in Moncada Catholic School.

The researcher conducted their test through the use of check-list type of questions.

The ability to choose the answer is according on what they have experienced. The

research then measured the students’ health and identified the effect of physical activity

based on their sports. The check-list type test served as a measure of student’s health in

Moncada Catholic School and also a tool in figuring out the effects of physical activities

on student athletes’ health in Moncada Catholic School.

Figure 1 demonstrates the structural basis of this study

Physical Activity

Health
Benefits

Effects on Health

Figure 1. The Conceptual Paradigm

 25

Presented as the paradigm of the study are the variables involved in determining

the one’s health of the athletes of Moncada Catholic School. This illustrates the variables

that will lead to answer whether physical activity has an effect on one’s health of the

respondents.

This study correlates two main variables: the physical activity and one’s health so

that the effects of the former to the latter would be identified. The prime variables which

were the participation and activities were used in determining one’s health of the

respondents which were classified as the effects on health. To determine the correlation

between these variables, the researchers administered a check-list to the respondents.

Chapter 3

METHODS OF RESEARCH AND SOURCES OF DATA

This chapter presents and discusses the methods that were used in this study.

Specifically, this chapter presents the research design, the research locale, the

respondents, the sampling technique, the instrumentation, data gathering procedure and

statistical treatment employed to obtain pertinent results.

Research Design

Descriptive method was used to gather the needed data and it is quantitative in

nature. Descriptive research explores the relationship between or among the variables. In

descriptive design, hypotheses concerning the relationship between or among the

variables are so stated. Descriptive efficient may describe positive or negative

relationship depending upon the outcome of the study. This method was applicable since
 26

the study aimed to determine the relationship of the effect of physical activities on one’s

health in Moncada Catholic School.

Research Locale

The respondents were from Moncada Catholic School. This research was

conducted to the student athletes. Wherein, they are trained to become well-rounded

individuals who are well equipped with the necessary knowledge, values and skills and

be competent so that they will become globally competitive professionals and leaders,

and productive citizens of the country.

Respondents of the Study

The participants of the study were the student athletes who were legally and

officially enrolled at the said institution. The researchers took sixty-nine (69) student

athletes from the campus. Hence, eighteen (18) students were the respondents of this

study.

Samples and Sampling Technique

Eighteen (18) student athletes who were officially enrolled for the academic year,

2019-2020 were the sample population of this study. The researcher selected these

respondents through the use of simple random sampling. The total numbers of the student

athletes in each sports ranges from five (5) to fifteen (15) students. Since the researcher

only took eighteen (18) student athletes, the remaining student athletes were excluded to

be the respondents of this study.

 27

To further understand the sampling technique used in this study, an illustration is

presented below.

Where:

N = total number of respondents

n = total population

e = margin of error (20% or 0.20)

N = n / 1 + ne2

N = 69 / 1 + 69 (0.20)2

N = 18 total respondents

Research Instrument

The researcher used a check-list as the research instrument to determine the effect

of physical activities to the student athletes’ health in Moncada Catholic School. This was

developed by the researcher, and it was validated by the researchers’ adviser.

Particularly, the physical activity check-list was used after the respondents read and

answer the questions.

Specifically, the questionnaire was composed of 7 check-list type questions which

were arranged according to the researcher. The results from the questionnaire would

determine the effects of physical activities to their health.

Data Gathering Procedure

 28

After the validation of the instrument, the researcher collaborated with the

advisers of the student athletes to ask permission if they are allowed to gather data from

their students. The researcher explained the purpose of the study to selected respondents

and then made sure each participant corresponds with regards to their experience. The

researcher collected the data by means of survey questionnaires that comprises their

name, year level, and date. After the respondents have taken the questionnaires; the

papers were checked, tallied, interpreted and analyzed.

Chapter 4

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

This chapter presents and explains the data obtained through the test administered

by the researcher, followed by the analysis and interpretation of data.

1. The contribution of physical activity to one’s health.

The data were collected after the administration of the test. The first problem of

this study focused in determining the health of a student athlete. We used check-list type

of questionnaires to gather information and easily identify how physical activities affect

one’s health.
 29

Table 1 shows the averages score of respondents who participate in doing

physical activity after answering the check-list type of questionnaires we gave to them.

Table 1

Average Answers of Respondents that are Doing Regular

Physical Activity

Yes Percentage No Percentage

17 94% 1 06%

As seen in Table 1, seventeen (17) student athletes performing regular physical

activities in answering the check-list type of questionnaire. In addition, another one (1)

student athlete don’t perform physical activity. Hence, the total number of respondents

who took the check-list type of questionnaire was eighteen (18).

Table 1.1 presents the average scores of the respondents that affected their health

by performing physical activity after answering the check-list type of questionnaires we

gave to them.

Table 1.1

Average Answers of Respondents that Identify the Effects of Physical

Activity to their Health

Effects Response Percentage

 30

Physically fit 18 100%

Good for blood
6 33%
circulation
It fights heart attack 7 39%
Good for muscles and
10 55%
bones
Overfatigue 0 00%
Higher stress level 0 00%

As seen in Table 1.1, eighteen (18) student athletes responded on the effect of

physical activity to them. Eighteen (18) of them says that being physically fit is the effect

of physical activity to them, while six (6) of them says that physical activity is good for

health, and seven (7) says that physical activity fights heart attack. Ten (10) says that

physical activities are good for muscles and bones and zero (0) for both overfatigue and

higher stress level. Hence, the percentage number of respondents who took the check-list

on each question is shown on the table.

2. The benefit of physical activities to the health of the student athletes.

After identifying the contribution of physical activity to one’s health, the

researcher used the same checklist type of questionnaire to obtain the result of the data.

The table below illustrates how the researchers identify the average scores of the

respondents who gets benefits from physical activity after answering the check-list type

of questionnaires we gave to them.

Table 2

Average Answers of Respondents in Benefits of Physical

 31

Activity to their Health

Benefits Response Percentage

Control weight 15 94%
Combat health conditions
15 94%
and disease
Improve mood 4 22%
Boost energy 7 39%

Promote better sleep 6 33%

Can be fun and social 11 61%

As seen in Table 1.1, eighteen (18) student athletes responded on what benefits of

physical activity they got. Fifteen (15) student athletes says that one of the benefits of

physical activity that it controls weight, while fifteen (15) says that the benefit of physical

activity that it combats health conditions and disease, four (4) says that benefits of

physical activity that it improves mood, seven (7) says that benefits of physical activity

that it boost energy, six (6) says that benefits of physical activity that it promotes better

sleep, and lastly eleven (11) says that benefits of physical activity that it can be fun and

social. Hence, the percentage number of respondents who took the check-list on each

question is shown on the table.

 32

Chapter 5

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter presents the summary of findings, conclusions, and

recommendations of the study. The general objective of the researcher was to determine

the effects of physical activities to the health of student athletes in Moncada Catholic

School.

Summary of Findings

1. The contribution of physical activity to one’s health.

Based on the results, the contribution of physical activities to one’s health is

clearly seen. As for all student athletes agree about the contribution of physical activities
 33

to one’s health, we can infer that they are all knowledgeable it’s effect. The effects they

chose are one hundred percent positive and no negative with “being physically fit” the

top choice in the list.

2. The benefit of physical activities to the health of the student athletes.

As seen on the result, the respondents identify what are the different benefits they

get when they do physical activities. They picked “control weight” and “combat health

conditions and diseases” as the most beneficial to their health when engaging in physical

activities and “improve mood” as the least beneficial to them.

Conclusions

Based on the findings of the study, the following conclusions are derived:

1. Based on the data we gathered, almost of our respondents honestly answer that

they are performing physical activity. It seems that most of them are cared for their health

so they still engaging in physical activity for them to become healthy and physically fit.

2. Findings of the study show that physical activity is a good combat to avoid

physical illness of students, to reduce the risk of having a heart disease and to develop

their weak muscles and bones.

3. The student athletes of Moncada Catholic School agreed that physical activity has

a huge contribution and effect on one’s health and can give some benefits to their health

if they performing physical activity. It means that performing physical activity can

actually affect every individual’s health.

4. The result from this study contribute greatly to every school in providing needed

baseline information to set and implement some physical activity that students should
 34

perform in school so they can maintain they good health and excel in academic

performances.

5. The student athletes are all knowledgeable about the effects of doing physical

activities. This means that they are aware of what benefits physical activities can give to

the health of an individual when someone engages on it.

Recommendations

In the light of the findings and conclusions drawn from the study, the researchers

recommend the following:

1. The school coordinator should develop some special programs or special attention

at least once a month for the development of physical activity.

2. The school must put up some gymnasium for students to have some quality health

time and to have a place where students, especially student athletes can have their place

to train and play.

3. The student athletes should encourage and help other student of Moncada

Catholic School on how to perform physical activity.

4. The students should engage in additional or vigorous or moderate intensity

physical activity throughout the school day through recess, dictated classroom physical

activity time, and other opportunities.

5. The school administration should implement that every Friday at 3 PM to 4 P.M.,

students must play any sports and games; gadgets are not allowed to make sure that all of

them will participate.

6. The students should limit their time using their gadgets, playing online games and

browsing social media, instead, they must engage themselves in doing physical activity.
 35

7. The school should have at least once a month activity regarding to physical

activity to promote physical health.

8. The PE teachers must expend their 10-20 minutes subject time in doing physical

activities to promote healthier students.

9. The school administration should include exercise in flag ceremony to refresh the

minds on every student in order to have a better performance for the rest of the day.

10. The school administration should consider increasing the length of PE classes and

increasing the number and types of physical activities during PE classes.

 36

BIBLIOGRAPHY

ONLINE SOURCES

Nuefer (2015); Understanding the Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Physical

Activity-Induced Health Benefits retrieved from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/26073496/

Kettunen (2015); Effects of Physical Activity and Fitness on the Psychological

wellbeing of Young Men and Working Adults: Associations with Stress, Mental
Resources, Overweight and Workability retrieved from
https://www.utupub.fi/handle/10024/103576

Lynch et al. (2019); Approaches to Improve Causal Inference in Physical Activity

Epidemiology retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337765376_Approaches_to_Improve_Causal_I
nference_in_Physical_Activity_Epidemiology

Oliveira (2019); ACL Injury, Physical Activity, and Overweight/Obesity: A

Vicious Cycle retrieved from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00167-019-
05807-6

Stone et al. (2016); Physical, Psychological and Emotional Benefits of Green Physical
Activity: An Ecological Dynamics Perspective retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281518023_Physical_Psychological_and_Emot
ional_Benefits_of_Green_Physical_Activity_An_Ecological_Dynamics_Perspective

Cabilan (2019); The Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, Functional Status, and
Quality of Life of Colorectal Cancer Patients Within Six Months After Curative
Treatment retrieved from https://eprints.qut.edu.au/128073/

Valenzuela et al. (2018); Physical activity and dietary habits of Filipino college
students: a cross-sectional study retrieved from
https://hrcak.srce.hr/ojs/index.php/kinesiology/article/view/5829
 37

Montemayor (2019); How to Live a Healthy Life retrieved from

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1067302
Sandoval et. al (2016); Assessment of Physical Activity Level among Patients with
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus at the UP Philippine General Hospital Diabetes Clinic
retrieved from https://www.asean-endocrinejournal.org/index.php/JAFES/article/view/
336/778

Dumlao-Abadilla (2017); Most Filipinos Lack Exercise retrieved from

https://business.inquirer.net/223197/filipinos-lack-exercise

Gelius et al. (2019); Nine Types of Recommendations, Guidelines and Policies: An

Exploratory Test of a Proposed Typology of Physical Activity Promotion Document
retrieved from https://archpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13690-019-
0381-x

Mburu-Matiba (2015); The Impact of Exercise (Physical Activity) and Healthy

Lifestyle (Eating) Among the Youth: A Literature Review retrieved from
https://www.theseus.fi/handle/10024/101060

Serafica et. al (2017); Assessing Physical Activity Levels in Filipino Americans with
Hypertension Using the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity Questionnaire
retrieved from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1084822316685517?
journalCode=hhcb

Baldursdottir (2016); Physical Activity and Well-being among Adolescents retrieved

from https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Physical-activity-and-well-being-among-
adolescents%3A-Baldursd%C3%B3ttir/d01acd5b9456a721542e86e8e6b9b3f013207265

Krahn (2016); The Health Benefits of Physical Activity and Cardiorespiratory

Fitness retrieved from https://www.bcmj.org/articles/health-benefits-physical-activity-
and-cardiorespiratory-fitness
 38

APPENDICES
 39

APPENDIX A
1. Do you follow regular routine of physical exercise?
 Yes
 No
2. Do you think is it important to have physical in our daily lives?
 Yes
 No
3. Do you agree that physical activities contribute to the health of an individual?
 Yes
 No
4. If yes, what do you think is/are the effect/s of physical activities to your health?
 You will be physically fit
 It can help blood circulate properly
 Reduce your risk of a heart attack
 Good for your muscles and bones
 Overfatigue
 Higher stress level
 Others please specify
________________________
5. What physical activities are you doing?
 Push ups
 Walking
 Running
 Swimming
 Sitting
 Others please specify ________________________
6. How much do you spend doing physical activities in a day?
 0-1 hours
 2-3 hours
 4-5 hours
 6 hours above
7. What benefits do physical activity contribute to your health?
 Controls weight
 Combats health conditions and diseases
 Improves mood
 Boots energy
 Promotes better sleep
 Can be fun and social
 40

 Others please specify _______________________

QUESTION
YES NO TOTAL
NO.

1 17 1 18

2 18 0 18

3 18 0 18
GOOD FOR
IT FIGHTS GOOD FOR OVER HIGHER
PHYSICALLY BLOOD
HEART MUSCLES FATI- STRESS
FIT CIRCULATIO
ATTACK AND BONE GUE LEVEL
N

4 18 6 7 10 0 0

SWIMMIN- SITTI-
PUSH UPS WALKING RUNNING OTHERS
G NG

5 12 9 16 1 1 2

0-1 HOURS 2-3 HOURS 4-5 HOURS 6 HOURS ABOVE

6 6 10 1 1

COMBAT
PROMO CAN BE
HEALTH
CONTROL IMPROVE BOOST TE FUN
CONDITIONS
WEIGHT MOOD ENERGY BETTER AND
AND
SLEEP SOCIAL
DISEASE

7 15 15 4 7 6 11

APPENDIX B
41
 42

CURRICULUM VITAE

PERSONAL DATA

NAME: Benjamin Rei N. Gabriel

AGE: 17 years old

CIVIL STATUS: Single

RESIDENCE: Baquero Sur, Moncada, Tarlac

DATE OF BIRTH: July 28, 2002

PARENTS: Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel G. Gabriel

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT

SENIOR HIGH: MONCADA CATHOLIC SCHOOL, INC.

POBLACION 4, MONCADA, TARLAC (2020)

JUNIOR HIGH: SAPANG HIGH SCHOOL

ABLANG-SAPANG, MONCADA, TARLAC
(2018)

ELEMENTARY: SAPANG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

ABLANG-SAPANG, MONCADA, TARLAC
(2014)
 43

PERSONAL DATA

NAME: Shane John S. Ibarra

AGE: 17 years old

CIVIL STATUS: Single

RESIDENCE: Aringin, Moncada, Tarlac

DATE OF BIRTH: May 21, 2002

PARENTS: Mr. and Mrs. Jayson A. Ibarra

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT

SENIOR HIGH: MONCADA CATHOLIC SCHOOL, INC.

POBLACION 4, MONCADA, TARLAC (2020)

JUNIOR HIGH: MONCADA CATHOLIC SCHOOL, INC

POBLACION 4, MONCADA, TARLAC (2018)

ELEMENTARY: MONCADA CATHOLIC SCHOOL, INC

POBLACION 4, MONCADA, TARLAC (2014)
 44

PERSONAL DATA

NAME: Bernadette Nicole L. Fabro

AGE: 17 years old

CIVIL STATUS: Single

RESIDENCE: Lanat, San Manuel, Tarlac

DATE OF BIRTH: April 28, 2002

PARENTS: Mr. and Mrs. Bernie Enriquez Fabro

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT

SENIOR HIGH: MONCADA CATHOLIC SCHOOL, INC.

POBLACION 4, MONCADA, TARLAC (2020)

JUNIOR HIGH: SAN PEDRO NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

MONCADA, TARLAC (2018)

ELEMENTARY: SAN MANUEL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

SAN MANUEL, TARLAC (2014)
 45

PERSONAL DATA

NAME: Francis C. Cendaña

AGE: 18 years old

CIVIL STATUS: Single

RESIDENCE: San Juan, Moncada, Tarlac

DATE OF BIRTH: June 25, 2001

PARENTS: Mr. and Mrs. Ramir Celino Cendaña

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT

SENIOR HIGH: MONCADA CATHOLIC SCHOOL, INC.

POBLACION 4, MONCADA, TARLAC (2020)

JUNIOR HIGH: SAN PEDRO NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

MONCADA, TARLAC (2018)

ELEMENTARY: SAN VICENTE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

(2014)
 46

PERSONAL DATA

NAME: Vladymir C. Vallejos

AGE: 18 years old

CIVIL STATUS: Single

RESIDENCE: Villa, Moncada, Tarlac

DATE OF BIRTH: November 12, 2001

PARENTS: Mr. and Mrs. Conrado C. Vallejos

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT

SENIOR HIGH: MONCADA CATHOLIC SCHOOL, INC.

POBLACION 4, MONCADA, TARLAC (2020)

JUNIOR HIGH: MONCADA CATHOLIC SCHOOL, INC

POBLACION 4, MONCADA, TARLAC (2018)

ELEMENTARY: MONCADA ADVENTIST MULTIGRADE

SCHOOL FOUNDATION
MONCADA, TARLAC (2014)