Boosts and Setbacks of Implementing Indigenous Filipino Games: Perspectives from Curriculum’s Stakeholders

Abstract

Filipinos had enjoyed playing indigenous games long before any other games. Little is known about traditional games and their perspectives among educational stakeholders who support their preservation in the educational system for emerging countries like the Philippines. This study aimed to explore the viewpoints of educational stakeholders regarding integrating indigenous games into the curriculum. A scoping design was used to review pertinent journal articles. Thus 14 were considered after screening and filtering the searched records in three databases. It was found that stakeholders have both positive and negative perspectives on the said implementation. They perceived that implementing indigenous Filipino games a) promotes cultural heritage, b) facilitates convenient learning, and c) strengthens the foundation values, health, and socialization. However, there are some setbacks, like a) limitations in using traditional games in the classroom and b) the endangerment of indigenous Filipino games due to the fast growth of e-games. Therefore, a call to action among curriculum implementers to revisit what areas need to be strengthened in implementing indigenous games despite the continuous advancements of technology that paved the emergence of modern games and even the prioritization of sports games. Although support from the community is needed, and more mandates from the local government to promote these games in playing, especially outside school.