Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 10588

June 22, 2016

DEPED ORDER NO. 043-16

IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10588 OR THE PALARONG PAMBANSA ACT OF 2013

 

1. For the information and guidance of all concerned, enclosed is a copy of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 10588 or the Palarong Pambansa Act of 2013. ATICcS

2. Immediate dissemination of and strict compliance with this Order is directed.

(SGD.) BR. ARMIN A. LUISTRO FSCSecretary

(Enclosure to DepEd Order No. 43, s. 2016)

 

IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE PALARONG PAMBANSA ACT OF 2013

Pursuant to Section 21 of Republic Act (RA) No. 10588, entitled "An Act Institutionalizing the Conduct of the Palarong Pambansa and Appropriating Funds Therefor," the Department of Education (DepEd), together with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), hereby issue the following rules and regulations to implement the provisions of the foregoing Act.

RULE I

General Provisions

SECTION 1. Short Title. — These rules and regulations shall be referred to as the "Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA No. 10588, otherwise known as the Palarong Pambansa Act of 2013."

SECTION 2. Scope and Application. — The provisions of this IRR shall apply to the conduct of the Palarong Pambansa and other related school-based sports activities leading to the Palarong Pambansa.

SECTION 3. Declaration of Policy. — It is the policy of the state to promote physical education and encourage sports programs, league competitions and amateur sports, including training for international competitions, to foster self-discipline, teamwork and excellence for the development of a healthy and alert citizenry through the institutionalization of the Palarong Pambansa as the country's premier national sporting event.

Hence, it shall be a declared policy of the state to support programs that will improve and promote the Palarong Pambansa as the primary avenue for providing in-school sports opportunities to improve the physical, intellectual and social well-being of the youth. All educational institutions are therefore directed to promote physical education and undertake regular sports activities as well as support the local meets and the Palarong Pambansa.

SECTION 4. Objectives. — The objectives of this IRR, consistent with Sec. 3 of the Act, are the following:

(a) To institutionalize the Palarong Pambansa as the premier national sporting event of the country under the DepEd as a venue for talent identification, selection and recruitment of student-athletes;

(b) To improve the DepEd's national school sports program and give more prestige to the annual sports event by encouraging better participation of schools through incentives and rewards; and

(c) To encourage the local government units (LGUs) to take a proactive role in the promotion of the Palarong Pambansa locally and nationally by providing incentives and rewards.

SECTION 5. Definition of Terms. — For purposes of this IRR, the terms and phrases used shall mean or be understood as follows:

(a) Act refers to RA No. 10588, titled "An Act Institutionalizing the Conduct of the Palarong Pambansa and Appropriating funds Therefor," otherwise known as the "Palarong Pambansa Act of 2013."

(b) Athletes refer to elementary or secondary students who will participate in the Palarong Pambansa or any of its local meets as defined in this IRR. The exact cut-off date to determine the eligibility of an athlete in the elementary or secondary level shall be defined by the Palarong Pambansa Board in a separate resolution issued for this purpose.

(c) Bidding refers to the method or process of identifying a host Local Government Unit where the Palarong Pambansa or any of its local meets shall be conducted. For purposes of the Palarong Pambansa, the Palarong Pambansa Board shall make the proper issuance identifying the process and/or the specific steps consisting of the method or process of identifying the host LGU consistent with Rule III of this IRR. TIADCc

(d) Host refers, collectively, to the winning LGU bidder, the DepEd Regional Office, and the Schools Division Office.

(e) Delegation refers to a group of athletes, coaches, chaperones and officials representing a DepEd division or region who is duly accredited by the National Screening and Accreditation Committee (NSAC) as hereinafter provided in Section 18 of this IRR.

(f) Local Meets refer to the DepEd sanctioned organized competitions prior to the conduct of the regional meet or the Palarong Pambansa.

(g) Palarong Pambansa refers to the premier national sporting event of the country under the DepEd which showcases a multilevel national scholastic competition that starts with local meets.

(h) Paralympics refers to sporting events participated in by Students with Disabilities (SWDs).

RULE II

Palarong Pambansa Management and Administration

SECTION 6. Palarong Pambansa Board. — A Palarong Pambansa Board, hereinafter referred to as the "Board," is hereby created as the lead policy-making and coordinating body for the preparation and conduct of the Palarong Pambansa and other related school sports activities leading to the Palarong Pambansa. The Board shall be attached to the DepEd and shall be the proprietary owner of the phrase "Palarong Pambansa" and its related symbols, logos and concept.

The members of the Board shall be entitled to reimbursement of actual traveling and other expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties as members of the Board, subject to pertinent laws, rules and regulations. The Board, through a resolution, may create a Palarong Pambansa trust fund where the donations and sponsorships, among others, are to be deposited. The amounts deposited are to be used, among others, for the incentives to be distributed among winning athletes and for the promotion of the Palarong Pambansa as provided under Sections 15 to 16 of Rule IV of this IRR.

SECTION 7. Membership of the Board. — The Board shall have ten (10) members composed of the following:

(a) Secretary of DepEd as Chairperson;

(b) Four (4) Undersecretaries of DepEd to be identified by the Secretary;

(c) Three (3) Assistant Secretaries of DepEd to be identified by the Secretary;

(d) Chairman of the PSC; and

(e) Secretary of the DILG.

The heads of the concerned departments and agencies shall, as much as possible, attend the meetings of the Board. In the absence of the Secretary of the DILG or the Chairman of the PSC, they must designate a permanent representative with a rank not lower than an Assistant Secretary or Commissioner, respectively, who may attend the meetings of the Board on their behalf.

The Board may set the dates of its regular meetings and may call for special meetings as it deems necessary provided that the Board shall convene at least twice a year. A majority of all members of the Board shall constitute a quorum. A decision of the Board shall be concurred in by a majority vote of the actual members present in the meeting.

SECTION 8. Functions and Duties of the Board. — The Board shall perform the following functions and duties:

(a) To formulate policies and guidelines that shall govern the conduct of the Palarong Pambansa and other related school-based activities leading to the Palarong Pambansa;

(b) To review and update regularly the rules and regulations of the sports included in the Palarong Pambansa in accordance with international standards;

(c) To develop and recommend programs and policies that will promote the Palarong Pambansa and increase public awareness on the event, persuade schools to participate and improve their performance in sports and physical education, and encourage the LGUs to support and promote the Palarong Pambansa as the country's premier sports event;

(d) To provide incentives and rewards to participating schools and LGUs, including medal winners;

(e) To formulate and issue policies and guidelines on the accreditation of athletes, coaches and chaperones;

(f)  To create the Palarong Pambansa Communications Task Force;

(g) To create the National Screening and Accreditation Committee (NSAC);

(h) To develop marketing strategies to generate funds and promote the Palarong Pambansa including, but not limited to, royalties, merchandising and advertisements;

(i) To allocate funds for the conduct of school sports activities leading to the Palarong Pambansa; AIDSTE

(j) To formulate and issue the criteria for the selection of host LGU and approve bids to host the Palarong Pambansa;

(k) To set the date of the staging of the Palarong Pambansa;

(l) To identify the sports events to be included in the Palarong Pambansa;

(m) To appoint a Secretary General of the Palarong Pambansa;

(n) To enter into contracts or obligations essential for the proper accomplishment of its purposes and objectives;

(o) To conduct regular inventory of existing sports facilities, venues and equipment throughout the country;

(p) To formulate guidelines for the conduct of sports events for students with disability;

(q) To assess the conduct of the Palarong Pambansa and submit an annual report to Congress;

(r) To designate its officers and exercise such other acts as may be necessary for the effective implementation of the Act;

SECTION 9. Secretary-General. — A Secretary General shall be appointed by the Board from among the members of the Board representing the DepEd. He/she shall have the following duties and functions:

(a) Recommend to the Board the composition of the Secretariat and all the activities to be undertaken by the latter which requires the utilization of funds;

(b) Formulate the Palarong Pambansa Manual (PPM) addressing among others sub-paragraphs (a) to (e), (j), (l), and (p) of Section 8 of this IRR, and present the same to the Board for approval. Upon its approval, the Board shall cause the issuance of a DepEd Order containing said manual;

(c) Implement, coordinate and monitor the policies and plans formulated by the Board;

(d) Recommend to the Board the proposed budget for the Palarong Pambansa;

(e) Such other tasks as may be assigned by the Board.

SECTION 10. Secretariat. — The Secretariat, which shall come from the existing personnel of the DepEd, the PSC and the DILG, shall manage the conduct of the Palarong Pambansa and other activities leading to the Palarong Pambansa. The Palarong Pambansa Board shall issue a resolution as to the number of personnel and which department the personnel shall come from. The number of personnel shall be commensurate to the needs of the conduct of the Palarong Pambansa.

The Secretariat shall provide support services for the implementation of the functions of the Board and shall perform other school sports-related activities leading to the Palarong Pambansa as may be assigned by the Board through the Secretary General.

SECTION 11. Regional Athletics Associations. — The DepEd Regional Offices shall organize the Regional Athletics Associations (RAAs) which shall supervise the conduct of the local meets and organize their respective regional delegations to the Palarong Pambansa. The RAAs shall endeavor to ensure that all regions participate in all events in the Palarong Pambansa. For purposes of this Section, the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) shall organize its athletic association equivalent to an RAA.

The RAA shall be composed of the DepEd Regional Director as ex-officio Chairman, Assistant Regional Directors, Schools Division Superintendents, and the authorized DepEd Official in charge of the supervision of the Regional Sports Events in the region, the DILG Regional Director or his/her authorized representative, and a representative from the PSC which the latter shall identify.

The RAA shall perform the following duties and functions, in conformity with the rules and guidelines set by the Board:

(a) Supervise the conduct of the Regional Meet;

(b) To convene quarterly and discuss measures relative to the implementation of the Palarong Pambansa; and

(c) Organize the regional delegation to the Palarong Pambansa.

The Board shall issue guidelines for the conduct of local meets for the determination and/or selection of athletes who are to compete in the Regional Meet.

The Office in charge of the school sports program in the Regional and Division Offices, in coordination with the LGUs, shall provide support services in the local meets; monitor the local meets; and implement after-school sports program that promote and develop prospective athletes who may play in the Palarong Pambansa. AaCTcI

RULE III

Hosting of the Palarong Pambansa

SECTION 12. Hosting of the Palarong Pambansa. — The hosting of the Palarong Pambansa shall be determined by bidding and shall be guided by the principle of rotation based on the following geographical clusters: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao: Provided, that the sequence of hosting shall follow the Luzon-Visayas-Luzon-Mindanao cycle subject to the following:

(a) The Board shall ensure that all provinces or independent cities concerned shall be invited to submit letters of intent to host the Palarong Pambansa;

(b) The Secretary General shall form a joint technical inspection team and shall appoint its members from DepEd and PSC to evaluate the bids guided by the principles mentioned in Section 14 of this IRR; and

(c) The report of the joint technical inspection team shall be submitted to the Board and shall serve as one of the bases of their collective decision in selecting the Palarong Pambansa Host.

Adjoining LGUs may host the Palarong Pambansa: Provided, That one of the host LGUs does not have available venues and facilities to accommodate all the sports events.

The host LGU may constitute a local Palarong Pambansa Board to coordinate the preparation and conduct of the Palaro. The Board shall enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the host LGU enumerating, among others, DepEd and the host LGU's duties, rights, and responsibilities for the successful conduct of the Palarong Pambansa.

SECTION 13. Regular Schedule of the Palarong Pambansa. — Unless otherwise provided by the Board, the schedule of the Palarong Pambansa shall not be later than the 2nd week of May of every year.

SECTION 14. Criteria for the Selection of the Palarong Pambansa Host LGU. — In the selection and awarding of the Palarong Pambansa host, the Board shall develop the criteria which will consider the improvement of the sports complex and facilities, the economic development of all regions, and such other criteria which the Board deems necessary for the efficient and orderly hosting of the Palarong Pambansa.

It shall include, among others, the following:

(a) Playing Venues

1. The prospective host should have sports facilities which conform to international standards. The sports facilities need not be complete at the time of inspection but the LGU should have the capability to completely build the required facilities two (2) months before the scheduled Palarong Pambansa.

2. The playing venues should be secure and accessible to the general public.

3. Covered courts or gymnasia should have adequate changing rooms/comfort rooms, lighting system, seats or bleachers for spectators, preferably with an electronic scoring system. The host LGU must have sufficient number of covered playing venues.

(b) Billeting areas/quarters

1. The billeting areas for the athletic delegations and technical management group must be adequate and conveniently located.

2. Subject to existing laws with regard to building, safety, and accessibility, the billeting areas/quarters shall have adequate and appropriate facilities relevant to the hosting (i.e., quarters, comfort rooms, storage, kitchen and dining areas, perimeter fence, windows, doors, electricity, washing area, water, bathroom, and other basic necessity areas). They must have adequate water supply and uninterrupted electricity.

3. Basic services such as medical/dental and mobile communications networks should be available.

4. Windows of the billeting areas should have screens to keep mosquitoes out while providing proper ventilation.

5. The host LGU may negotiate with the officials of private schools within their jurisdiction for the use of their schools for billeting.

6. Billeting quarters with a perimeter fence shall earn additional points. In the absence of a perimeter fence, a security plan as to how to secure the billeting quarters shall be presented.

(c) Additional considerations

1. The host LGU should be accessible through travel by land, air, or water;

2. The province or city is able to maintain an excellent peace and order situation in the locality that is conducive to the conduct of a national activity; EcTCAD

3. The host LGU is capable and willing to shoulder the renovation, repairs and upgrading of sports facilities, billeting areas, and other infrastructural requirement; and

4. A manifestation of unity of the host LGU with the members of the local government within their jurisdiction, and an undertaking with other socio economic-political groups, government and non-government agencies in the region to ensure the successful staging of the Palarong Pambansa, should be submitted to the Board.

Consistent with Section 10 of the Act, the existence of sports facilities relevant to the events to be played shall be given the highest weight among the criteria to be formulated.

The Board shall issue a resolution adding other criteria to the foregoing for the proper and efficient determination of the host of the Palarong Pambansa.

RULE IV

Promotion of the Palarong Pambansa

SECTION 15. Incentives to Host LGU and Participating Schools

(a) The host LGU shall be entitled to the following incentives and benefits:

1. Donation to the host LGU of the sports equipment procured by DepEd or used in the Palarong Pambansa based on the LGU's needs and capability to maintain and maximize the use of such equipment;

2. Assistance of DepEd for the repair and improvement of school classrooms used as billeting quarters, subject to availability of funds;

3. Promotion by DepEd of the host LGU as a tourist destination, in coordination with the proper government agency. The DepEd shall also endeavor to include the host LGU in its communication plan when it promotes its programs and activities for the year;

4. Encouragement of all regional delegations and participants to patronize local products of the host LGU when they deal with their needs such as food, water, transportation, and other commodities; and

5. Other incentives as may be determined by the Board.

(b) Schools whose students are to participate in the Palarong Pambansa.

Subject to separate guidelines that may be issued by the Board on the matter, and consistent with existing budgeting, accounting and auditing rules, regulations, and the availability of funds, the schools whose students are participating in the Palarong Pambansa may receive the following incentives:

1. Sports goods;

2. Financial incentives;

3. Assistance for the repair and improvement of the schools' sports facilities;

4. Training of coaches, Physical Education teachers, and sports coordinators; and

5. Other incentives as may be determined by the Board.

In relation to Section 3 par. (b) and (c), and Section 6 par. (c) and (h) of the Act and subject to the availability of funds of the DepEd, PSC, DILG, and the host LGU, such agencies may provide the following incentives to athletes, coaches, trainers, and officiating officials who participated in the Palarong Pambansa and to the members of the technical management and administration committee, the secretariat, and the members of the national executive committee who managed the conduct of the Palarong Pambansa, including local meets:

1. Cash awards or gift items to winning athletes and coaches;

2. Supplemental allowance to athletes, coaches, trainers, and officiating officials who participated in the Palarong Pambansa and to the members of the technical management and administration committee, the secretariat, and the members of the national executive committee who managed the conduct of the Palarong Pambansa;

3. Training and scholarship grants to coaches, among others, for the improvement of their school sports programs;

4. Entitlement to participate in sports-related courses for teacher-coaches, trainers, and officiating officials to further enhance their skills and competitiveness;

5. Entitlement to participate in international school sports competitions sanctioned by the DepEd or the PSC. For this purpose, the Board may provide allowances to cover uniforms, travel, training and other incidental expenses; HSAcaE

6. Insurance coverage for death, accident, and hospitalization benefits; and

7. Other incentives as may be determined by the Board.

SECTION 16. Promotion of the Palarong Pambansa. — The Board shall create a Palarong Pambansa Communications Group which shall perform the following duties and responsibilities:

(a) To formulate marketing and communications plan to ensure the promotion of the Palarong Pambansa and encourage the LGUs to bid in the hosting of the event and the schools to improve their sports and physical education programs with the aim of sending representative athletes to the Palarong Pambansa;

(b) To ensure the coverage of the Palarong Pambansa by both the national and local media; and

(c) To facilitate the solicitation for sponsorship, merchandising and royalty agreements with private entities as additional source of funds for the Palarong Pambansa.

The Palarong Pambansa Communications Group shall be composed of representatives from the following government agencies:

(a) DepEd;

(b) Philippine Information Agency (PIA);

(c) PSC; and

(d) DepEd Regional Offices.

The Board shall issue guidelines to the Palarong Pambansa Communications Group on how to perform their aforementioned duties and responsibilities.

RULE V

Eligibility and Accreditation

SECTION 17. The National Screening and Accreditation Committee. —

(a) The Board shall constitute the National Screening and Accreditation Committee composed of the following:

1. Representative from the DepEd Legal Division;

2. Two (2) government physicians;

3. Two (2) government dentists; and

4. One (1) authorized representative from each RAA.

(b) The head of the National Screening and Accreditation Committee shall be designated by the Board from among its members.

(c) The Secretary General may create a National Screening and Accreditation Committee Secretariat and identify the members to compose the same.

(d) The Regional Director, in consultation with the members of the RAA, may create a Regional Screening and Accreditation Committee (RSAC) which shall interview, evaluate and verify the documents submitted by the athletes, coaches and chaperones.

 The RSAC shall be composed of the following:

1. Representative from the DepEd Legal Division;

2. Two (2) government physicians;

3. Two (2) government dentists; and

4. One (1) authorized representative from each Division Athletic Association (DAA). The representative from each DAA shall be the Chairman or Co-Chairman of the Division Screening and Accreditation Committee (DSAC) of the Division Meet preceding the current Regional Meet.

 The RSAC shall be responsible, among others, for the evaluation and verification of the authenticity of the documents submitted by the athletes, coaches and chaperones applying for accreditation. It shall also accredit qualified athletes, coaches and chaperones, and submit a master list to the RAA before the conduct of the Regional Meet.

SECTION 18. Duties and Functions of NSAC. — The NSAC shall, among others, perform the following duties and functions:

(a) Evaluate and verify the authenticity of the documents submitted by the athletes, coaches and chaperones applying for accreditation;

(b) Accredit qualified athletes, coaches and chaperones, and submit a master list to the Board at least two (2) months before the conduct of the Palarong Pambansa;

(c) Consider replacements for disqualified athletes during the period of screening;

(d) Re-check and monitor with the proper technical officials the athlete fielded by the coaches during actual competition based on the final official master list with photo gallery released by NSAC; AcICHD

(e) Monitor the conduct of screening and accreditation of athletes, coaches, assistant coaches and chaperons during the Division and Regional Palaro;

(f) Appellate jurisdiction on decisions rendered by the RSAC; and

(g) Such other functions as may be delegated by the Board.

SECTION 19. Rules on Participation. The participants in the Palarong Pambansa shall be elementary and secondary athletes from public and private schools who have participated in the local meet and regional meet: Provided, that, secondary athletes shall refer to both junior and senior high school students.

As a general rule, Kinder to Grade 6 athletes shall play in the elementary division, and Grade 7 to 12 athletes shall play in the secondary division. However, elementary athletes who have been declared overage in the elementary level may be allowed to play in the secondary level.

SECTION 20. Eligibility of Athletes. —

(a) For regular sports events:

1. A Filipino Citizen;

2. Enrolled in a recognized school (schools with recognition/permit to operate) at the beginning of the current school year and have attended and/or completed the curriculum year;

3. The exact cut-off date to determine the eligibility of an athlete in the elementary or secondary level shall be provided by the Board in a separate resolution issued for this purpose; and

4. Student-athletes who transferred from one region to another are allowed to participate: Provided, that their transfer was done before or at the beginning of the school year. Transferees from one division to another within the region are allowed to participate: Provided, that they have participated in the lower meets.

(b) Paralympics:

1. A Filipino citizen;

2. Enrolled in Special Education (SPED) classes in a public or private school; and

3. Suffering from restriction or different abilities, as a result of a mental, physical or sensory impairment, to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being.

 Provided that the age categories for the Paralympics as defined in this IRR shall be: (1) 15 years old and below; and (2) 16 to 25 years old.

SECTION 21. Grounds for Disqualification. — Unless otherwise provided by the Board, the following athletes shall be disqualified or shall not be allowed to play in the Palarong Pambansa:

(a) For Regular Sports Events

1. Athletes who have been declared over-age;

2. Elementary athletes with 3rd molar tooth;

3. Athletes with failing grades in more than two (2) learning areas in the second grading period;

4. Athletes who become, have been, or are currently members of the National Team, National Training Pool, National Developmental Pool and who received or receiving monthly stipend and/or allowance from the PSC or played in the SEA Games, Asian Youth Games, Asian Games and/or Olympic Games: Provided, However, that those athletes who played in other foreign invitational competitions shall not be disqualified to play in the Palarong Pambansa: Provided, Further, that athletes participating in one sports discipline as members of the National Team, National Training Pool, National Developmental Pool receiving monthly stipend and/or allowance from the PSC or played in the SEA Games, Asian Youth Games, Asian Games and/or Olympic Games shall not be disqualified to play in the Palarong Pambansa in a sports discipline other than the sport wherein the athlete participated in as member of the National Team, National Training Pool, National Developmental Pool and played in the SEA Games, Asian Youth Games, or Olympic Games;

5. Athletes who played in the SEA Games, Asian Youth Games, Asian Games and/or Olympic Games. However, athletes who played in foreign invitational competitions shall not be disqualified to play in the Palarong Pambansa: Provided, the said invitational competition is not included in the above mentioned international games;

6. Athletes who failed to submit the required documents;

7. Athletes banned during the previous Palarong Pambansa or disqualified during the lower meets; and

8. Other grounds, including, but not limited to falsification of documents, misrepresentation, and use of prohibited drugs.

(b) For Paralympics

1. SWD athlete who has been declared over-age; and

2. SWD athlete who failed to submit the required documents.

SECTION 22. Documentary Requirements. — The following, among others, are the required documents to be submitted by the athletes who intend to participate in the Palaro: TAIaHE

(a) Athlete's Record (AR), signed by the athlete, coach, and authorized Division Sports Supervisor/Coordinator;

(b) Original and certified photocopy of their Birth Certificate issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO). Late registration shall be accepted: Provided, that the Birth Certificate was issued one (1) year prior to the current Palarong Pambansa,

(c) In case of foreign-born Filipino athletes, in lieu of NSO Birth Certificate, the original birth certificate issued by the country where he was born and a valid passport or a document issued by the Bureau of Immigration or Department of Foreign Affairs showing his or her nationality as a Filipino;

(d) Form-137 with entries of Learner Reference Number, certified true copy from original or computer printed, duly signed by the Teacher-Adviser or Registrar or Principal or School Heads, and by the authorized Division Sports Supervisor, PESS Coordinator or Education Program Supervisor in charge of sports;

(e) For athletes who are enrolled under the alternative delivery mode (home study program or modified in school out school approach or open high school program), a copy of the numerical or descriptive rating equivalent to the second grading period of the regular classes should be submitted;

(f) Certificate of Enrolment duly signed by the School Registrar or School head;

(g) Parent's or guardian's consent, verified by the Principal or Registrar or Teacher-Adviser;

(h) Medical certificate issued within three months from the date of submission and signed by a physician stating that the athlete is physically fit and within the age limit required. (The complete name of the signing physician steal clearly appear on the medical certificate, with the license number and date of examination);

(i) Dental Certificate with a universal entry, duly signed by a Dentist over his/her clearly printed name and license number, and with the date of examination which should not be more than six (6) months prior to date of the opening of each level of competition;

(j) Four (4) copies of passport size 1 1/2 x 1 1/2, identical and clear pictures with name tag (surname, first name and middle initial) and with grade or year level, to be used for the Athlete's Record, Dental Certificate, Gallery and Accreditation Card;

(k) Affidavit of the coach, attesting to the authenticity, validity and correctness of the entries on the above-mentioned documents; and

(l) Additional documents for athletes in Special Sports Events for SWDL:

(i) Intellectual Disability Certification — Psycho-Educational Assessment Pests conducted and certified by Psychologist or DepEd SPED Supervisor indicating the athlete's IQ level (70 and below);

(ii) Visual Impairment Certification — test conducted and certified by an Ophthalmologist to determine the visual acuity (Totally Blind or Low Vision); and

(iii) Hearing Impairment Certification — test conducted and certified by an Otorhinolaryngologist to determine that the athlete is unable to hear.

 In case of athletes who wish to participate in arnis, boxing, taekwondo, wrestling, wushu, and gymnastics, the NSAC shall issue, within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this IRR, subject to the approval of the Board, a Resolution clearly identifying the specific and unique training requirements, years of relevant playing experience, competition track record, membership to relevant sports associations or certifications if the NSAC deems necessary, additional medical records, and such other requirements that will establish their physical and mental fitness, competence, and ability to play their respective sports.

 With respect to other sports not mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the NSAC may specify additional training, medical and other requirements that will establish their physical and mental fitness, competence, and ability to play their respective sports.

SECTION 23. Eligibility and Documentary Requirements to be submitted by the Coaches and Assistant Coaches.

The following, among others, are the eligibility and documentary requirements to be submitted by the Coaches and Assistant Coaches to the NSAC:

(a) Training requirements;

(b) Years of relevant experience;

(c) Track record;

(d) Educational and professional background;

(e) Membership in relevant sports associations;

(f) Necessary licenses or certifications;

(g) Medical records; and

(h) Other requirements, including but not limited to, documents that will establish the coaches' competence, integrity and capability, and its legal relationship to the school and/or the athletes to show accountability.

The Board, upon recommendation by the NSAC, may issue a resolution requiring additional eligibility and documentary requirements for coaches and assistant coaches who may participate in the Palarong Pambansa.

SECTION 24. Replacement of Athletes, Coaches and Chaperones. —

Replacement of athletes, coaches and chaperones may be allowed based on meritorious grounds one (1) month before the opening of the Palaro and upon the written request by the head of the Regional Delegation: Provided, that in case of illness and other fortuitous events, replacement may be allowed two (2) days before the Palarong Pambansa.

The Board, among others, may issue a specific timeline to ensure compliance with this Section as to the final dates of submission of NSAC of the master list of Qualified Athletes and the period within which lower meets should be conducted. cDHAES

SECTION 25. Protests on Eligibility and Appeals on Disqualification.

(a) All complaint/s or protest/s shall be in writing duly signed by the coach and the head of the delegation or his or her authorized representative and shall be filed before the NSAC within five (5) days from the first day of publication of the master list of qualified athletes in the DepEd website (to be posted on or before March 15 of the current year of the Palarong Pambansa). The complaint or protest shall be resolved within five (5) days from receipt thereof.

(b) Protests shall be accompanied by affidavit/s of witnesses and/or pieces of evidence in support thereof.

(c) Protests which do not comply with (a) and (b) hereof shall not be given due course by the NSAC, without prejudice to the re-filing of the same upon compliance with the abovementioned requirements.

(d) Decisions on the complaint or protest shall be appealable to the Board within five (5) days from issuance of the decision and the Board shall resolve the appeal within fifteen (15) days from receipt of the decision on the complaint or protest.

(e) All complaints/protest and appeals must be resolved with finality within thirty (30) days from receipt of the complaint or protest.

SECTION 26. Sanctions against Athletes, Technical Officials and Other Persons. — Unless otherwise provided for by the Board, the following sanctions shall be imposed against the team of the region who will violate the rules on eligibility as enumerated under Rule V of this IRR:

(a) In team competitions, the games where the ineligible and/or disqualified athlete has taken part shall be declared forfeited in favor of the opposing team; and

(b) In individual competitions, the games where the ineligible and/or disqualified athlete played shall be forfeited in favor of the other athlete.

With respect to sanctions that will be imposed against individuals who caused the violation of the rules on eligibility, he/she may be suspended from participating in future school sports competitions, the duration of which shall be one (1) to three (3) years depending on the gravity of the offense: Provided, that he/she shall suffer the penalty of perpetual disqualification from participating in any future school sports competition in case of violations which are intentional and willful.

These sanctions shall be without prejudice to the filing of appropriate administrative and/or criminal charges against the erring officials and/or athletes in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations.

RULE VI

Sports Events and Standards

SECTION 27. Sports Events. — The official sports events in the Palarong Pambansa shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following:

(a) Regular Sports Events

1. Elementary

a. Athletics;

b. Badminton;

c. Baseball;

d. Basketball;

e. Chess;

f: Football;

g. Gymnastics;

h. Sepak Takraw;

i. Softball;

j. Swimming;

k. Table Tennis;

l. Taekwondo;

m. Tennis;

n. Volleyball; and

o. Arms.

2. Secondary

a. Archery;

b. Arnis;

c. Athletics;

d. Badminton;

e. Baseball;

f. Basketball;

g. Billiards;

h. Boxing;

i. Chess;

j. Football;

k. Futsal;

l. Gymnastics;

m. Sepak Takraw;

n. Softball;

o. Swimming;

p. Table Tennis;

q. Taekwondo;

r. Tennis;

s. Volleyball;

t Wrestling; and

u. Wushu.

(b) Paralympics

1. Athletics;

2. Bocce;

3. Swimming; and

4. Goal Ball.

The Palarong Pambansa Board shall issue a resolution, within thirty (30) days from the award of the hosting of the Palarong Pambansa, to add to the foregoing list of mandatory sports, additional sports, which may be played in future editions of the Palarong Pambansa.

SECTION 28. Regulations and Standards. — The Board shall conduct a review of the current rules and regulations and shall conduct an inventory of existing sports facilities, venues and equipment being used in the Palarong Pambansa. All sports events must be played according to international rules and regulations and the sports venues, facilities and equipment to be used shall be in accordance with international standards. The Board shall consult the National Sports Associations (NSAs) in the review of the rules and regulations of each sports event.

RULE VII

Duties and Responsibilities

SECTION 29. The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). — To ensure the success of the Palarong Pambansa, the PSC, in cooperation with the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and thru the appropriate NSAs, the PSC shall perform the following duties and functions: ASEcHI

(a) The PSC shall make available its manpower, technical resources and facilities for the Palarong Pambansa and other school-based sports and physical education programs of the DepEd;

(b) The PSC, in coordination with DepEd, shall formulate and implement a training program for outstanding athletes and athletes with potential as well coaches of the Palarong Pambansa, to ensure the continuity of their athletic development and education;

(c) Provide technical support to all programs that the DepEd may implement to train its teachers, coaches and officiating team;

(d) Provide technical support in the formulation of the specification of equipment to be procured for the Palarong Pambansa;

(e) Provide technical support to all programs that the DepEd may implement to train DepEd and non-DepEd personnel who will manage the events to be played in the Palarong Pambansa. The PSC may also endorse qualified non-DepEd personnel to serve as event managers to assist in the conduct of the Palaro; and

(f) Other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Board.

SECTION 30. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). — The DILG shall perform the following duties and responsibilities:

(a) To direct the Philippine National Police to prepare and implement a comprehensive security plan for the LGU where the Palarong Pambansa shall be held;

(b) To appoint a representative to the local Board;

(c) To direct all LGUs where the events will be played to coordinate, cooperate and support the plans, programs and activities of the Board; and

 

(d) Other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Board.

RULE VIII

Transitory Provision

SECTION 31. Palaro Hosting Cycle. — The hosting of the Palarong Pambansa shall be determined by bidding and guided by the principle of rotation based on the following geographical clusters: Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao. Since the Mindanao cluster hosted the Palaro in 2015, the Luzon-Visayas-Luzon-Mindanao cycle shall start in 2016.

The Board shall provide guidelines as to the bidding for the hosting of at least two (2) future Palarong Pambansa in one bidding event or occasion.

RULE IX

Final Provisions

SECTION 32. Appropriations. — Pursuant to Section 20 of the Act, the amount currently appropriated in the General Appropriations Act for the conduct of the Palarong Pambansa including pre-national Palaro activities under the DepEd shall be allocated and utilized for the initial implementation of this Act. Thereafter, such amount as may be necessary for its continued implementation shall be included under the budget of the DepEd in the annual General Appropriations Act. cTDaEH

SECTION 33. Separability Clause. — Should any provision of this IRR be subsequently declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 34. Repealing Clause. — Pursuant to Section 23 of the Act, all laws, decrees, executive orders, particularly Executive Order No. 433, presidential issuances and other administrative rules and regulations or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SECTION 35. Effectivity. — These Rules shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a national newspaper of general circulation.

This IRR shall be registered with the Office of the National Administrative Register of the UP Law Center, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City.

(SGD.) BR. ARMIN A. LUISTRO FSCSecretary, Department of Education

(SGD.) MEL SENEN S. SARMIENTOSecretary, Department of the Interior and Local Government

(SGD.) RICARDO L. GARCIAChairman, Philippine Sports Commission