An overwhelming 41 higher education institutions (HEIs) and state universities and colleges (SUCs) instructors and students across the country participated in the national training on the new tertiary physical education curriculum spearheaded by the Institute of Physical Education, Sports, and Recreation (IPESR) on Physical Activity towards Health and Fitness 1 (PATHIFit 1), which was conducted at the Albay Astrodome, on September 16 to 18, 2022.

In partnership with the BU Extension Management Division, CHED, and the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC), the activity welcomed 110 participants from: Adventist Medical Center College, Antipolo National High School, Ateneo de Naga University, Bataan Peninsula State University, Bataan Peninsula State University - Orani Campus, Benguet State University, Calabanga Community College, Calao National High School , Camarines Norte State College, Camarines Sur Polytechnic College, Catanduanes State University, Ceguera Technological Colleges, Community College of Manito, Computer Communication Development Institute – Sorsogon Campus, Daraga Community College, Felix Alfelor Sr. Foundation College – Sipocot, Camarines Sur, Libon Community College, Mariners' Polytechnic Colleges Foundation - Naga City, Mariners' Polytechnic Colleges Foundation of Legaspi City, Naga College Foundation, Northwest Samar State University, NYK TDG Maritime Academy, Oas Community College, Partido State University, Polangui Community College, Saint Francis Integrated National High School, Siena College of Tigaon, Sorsogon College of Criminology, Inc., Sorsogon State University, Southern Masbate Roosevelt College, Inc., Tabaco National High School, Tiwi Community College, Unibersidad de Sta. Isabel, University of Negros Occidental - Recol, University of Nueva Caceres, University of Santo Tomas - Legazpi, Veritas College of Irosin, Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation, Visayas State University - Tolosa, and Visayas State University – Villaba.

In the opening program, the launching was graced by the presence of Prof. Carina L. Sales, IPESR Director, Dr. Amelia A. Dorosan, VP for Academic Affairs, and Atty. Septon Dela Cruz, CHED Regional Director. Afterward, the training proper commenced with an introduction to PATHFIT 1, led by one of the resource persons, Prof. Rachel Cate P. Piguerra, followed by the plenary discussions on physical fitness, its concepts, and assessments presented by Prof. Jarmi Diane M. Mandane, University Fitness Coordinator.

In conjunction with this, the topics focused on physical activity recommendations and physical activity logs presented by Prof. Arriane Mae S. Arevalo and the exercise variables and principles by Prof. Piguerra.

Training proper was held in two activity-specific skills: non-locomotor skills and locomotor skills. Trainers Prof. Randy T. Austria, Arevalo, Piguerra, Wilven Mendoza, and Mandane led the proper postures, positions, and movements in this activity.

After a lively Zumba exercise, the second day resumed for the plenary sessions on the third topic on healthy eating habits, as discussed by Prof. Austria, associate director of IPESR, and the subject of eating practices was presented by a special guest and resource person/trainer Prof. Jo-ann Grecia, an alumna from the University of the Philippines. She continued her discussion on the activity-specific skills on mobility training and body weight exercises.

To give a clearer understanding of the activity, she further presented the introduction and background of PATHFit 2-4 and continued with the activity proper in resistance training.

On the last day, the national physical education event continued with the plenary session and the PATHFit 1 Syllabus. In the afternoon, the trainers held a fitness or sporting event training challenge for the participants and concluded with a culminating activity. | by Arnold C. Noda, CPRO

Photo courtesy of Prof. Carina L. Sales