Early Influences:
- In the early years of the Spanish colonization, physical education was focused mainly on military training and military exercises for the male students to prepare them for the defense of the Spanish territory.
Educational Reforms:
- In the late 18th century, educational reforms were introduced by Spanish Governor-General Rafael de Izquierdo y Gutiérrez. These reforms included the incorporation of physical education into the curriculum of primary schools. These reforms led to a more holistic approach to education that included physical development and well-being.
Gymnastics:
- During this period, gymnastics became a central component of physical education in the Philippines. Students were taught various forms of gymnastics, such as calisthenics, group exercises, and apparatus exercises, which emphasized physical fitness and coordination.
Sports and Games:
- In addition to gymnastics, students also participated in different sports and games introduced by the Spanish, including football (soccer), basketball, baseball, and even traditional Filipino games like sipa and sungka. These activities were seen as recreational and a means to promote physical well-being.
Physical Education for Women:
- It is important to note that physical education for women was limited and often not prioritized during the Spanish colonial period. It wasn't until later reforms that women's participation in physical activities began to gain more recognition and support.
Educational Institutions:
- The establishment of schools and educational institutions during the Spanish period, such as the Ateneo de Manila and Colegio de San Juan de Letran, played a significant role in the promotion and development of physical education in the Philippines.
Influence on Local Culture:
- The Spanish influence on physical education also introduced new concepts like "la educacion fisica" (physical education) and "el deporte" (sports) into the Filipino language, which have remained embedded in the country's sports and physical activity terminology to this day.
Overall, the Spanish period laid the foundation for physical education in the Philippines, emphasizing physical fitness, sports participation, and gymnastics. This period shaped the country's perception of physical education and its role in education and society, providing the groundwork for future developments in physical education in the nation.