Republic Act 9850: Arnis Declared National Martial Art

Republic Act 9850 made Arnis the official national martial art and sport of the Philippines in 2009. This article breaks down what the law says, who signed it, and why it matters for Filipino identity, education, and sport. A must-read for anyone curious about Arnis and its place in Philippine culture.

Most martial arts fans know Arnis as a fast, powerful Filipino fighting system—stick work, empty-hand strikes, weapon disarms. But fewer know that in 2009, it became more than a tradition. It became law.

Through Republic Act No. 9850, the Philippines officially declared Arnis as the national martial art and sport. It was a defining moment in Filipino cultural identity—enshrining a homegrown fighting art as part of national policy, education, and pride.

If you’ve ever searched for “RA 9850” or “the Arnis law,” here’s the story behind the statute.

What Is Republic Act 9850?

Republic Act No. 9850, passed by the Philippine Congress and signed into law on December 11, 2009, declares Arnis as:

“the National Martial Art and Sport of the Philippines.“

You can read the full legal text here, but the key point is simple: this law gives Arnis formal status in the nation’s culture, education system, and athletic development.

Who Signed RA 9850 Into Law?

RA 9850 was signed into law by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo during her final year in office. It was the culmination of years of lobbying by martial artists, educators, and lawmakers who believed in preserving native Filipino martial traditions.

Why Was the Law Passed?

Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) had been growing globally—but inside the Philippines, many feared the art was fading. Despite centuries of history, Arnis was being eclipsed in public schools and media by foreign sports like basketball and boxing.

RA 9850 was a cultural statement. It aimed to:

Preserve a unique and indigenous martial tradition
Strengthen Filipino national identity
Ensure youth are exposed to Arnis through the education system
Promote Arnis as a competitive sport domestically and abroad

What Does the Law Require?

Republic Act 9850 isn’t symbolic. It has practical mandates, including:

🏫 Education:
All elementary and secondary schools are required to include Arnis in their physical education programs. This makes Arnis part of everyday student life.
🏆 Sport Development:
National tournaments must be supported and promoted by relevant organizations such as the Philippine Sports Commission and the Department of Education.
📣 Cultural Promotion:
Arnis must be given visibility as a cultural asset—through events, training, and public recognition.

In short, Arnis was given official backing for both education and athletics.

What’s in the Text of the Law?

Here’s an excerpt from the act:

“Arnis is hereby declared as the National Martial Art and Sport of the Philippines. It is hereby mandated that Arnis shall be included among the Physical Education (P.E.) courses in the secondary and tertiary schools nationwide as part of the school curriculum.“

It also names:

The Philippine Sports Commission
The Department of Education
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts

…as the agencies responsible for implementation.

Why It Still Matters

Today, Arnis continues to gain respect around the world, both as a self-defense system and as a competitive sport featured in events like the Southeast Asian Games.

But RA 9850 gave it something no tournament medal could: institutional protection. It gave Arnis a permanent seat in classrooms, competitions, and cultural memory.

For students growing up in the Philippines, this means they won’t just learn basketball. They’ll learn how to handle a stick. How to move with timing. How to preserve something deeply Filipino.