The Philippine Educators Alliance for Community Empowerment (PEACE) Party-list hailed the launch by the Department of Education (DepEd) of a national calisthenics exercise program for learners.
“The national calisthenics exercise program is a timely intervention in our efforts to maintain our learners’ health. We hope that this program will be successful in instilling a more active and healthy lifestyle for children, and even our teachers,” PEACE PL president and first nominee, Marie Paz T. Abante, said.
“Galaw Pilipinas,” a four-minute calisthenics routine developed by the DepEd to promote a healthy lifestyle, was launched on Wednesday, February 23.
Under the distance learning modality, meanwhile, the routine shall be performed by all learners as stipulated in the weekly home learning plan provided by teachers.
The routine was inspired by simple steps inspired by Philippine folk dances, festival movements, and arnis stances in recognition of the national martial art and sport, according to the education department.
Abante said that the program would help address the reduced mobility of children due to the pandemic, as she reiterated the role that going to school in person plays in children’s health.
“Ang nawala kasi dahil sa pandemya ay ang pagkakataon na mas malayang makagalaw at makapaglaro ang mga bata. In-person classes play a key role in making children healthier and more robust because of the various physical activities they are involved in during the course of the day, from physical education classes to playtime during breaks and after class,” the long-time educator said.
“Ito ang isa sa mga dahilan kaya ipinaglalaban natin na sa lalong madaling panahon ay maipagpatuloy na ang in-person classes. Hindi lang pag-aaral, kundi pati ang kalusugan ng mga bata ang natutugunan sa pagbabalik-eskwela,” Abante added.
According to DepEd, during limited face-to-face learning, Galaw Pilipinas can be performed by the entire school community in every flag-raising ceremony, flag retreat, before the start of the class, or any school-initiated activity.
Abante urged parents and guardians to make sure that children do the routine at least once daily, and even for the former to join them in exercising.
Under the distance learning modality, meanwhile, the routine shall be performed by all learners as stipulated in the weekly home learning plan provided by teachers.
The intensity of the execution of “Galaw Pilipinas” shall vary according to the type of learners and their essential stages. The steps and movements may also be modified according to the needs and contexts of learners with disabilities (LWDs).
Abante urged parents and guardians to make sure that children do the routine at least once daily, and even for the former to join them in exercising.
“Having a sound body is more important than ever. Let’s make family exercise a daily habit,” she said.
The routine’s promotional and tutorial videos may be accessed through this link: https://tinyurl.com/DepED-Galaw-Pilipinas.
It will also be available through other DepEd platforms such as the DepEd Philippines on Facebook, DepEd TV, and the DepEd Learning Management System.
