Iloilo IP Games revive traditional indigenous sports

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Traditional games once played in villages across Panay took center stage as the Philippine Sports Commission, in partnership with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, staged the Indigenous Peoples Games Visayas Leg 2026 on April 18–19 in Iloilo City.

About 350 participants from indigenous communities across Western Visayas joined the event, drawing attention to cultural practices that organizers said are gradually fading from public memory.

NCIP Western Visayas Commissioner Alex Centena emphasized the importance of the initiative, noting that many traditional games are no longer familiar to younger generations.

“So far, we have seen that these traditional games are gradually being forgotten. But with this program, it is a big help. It opens the minds of the public, especially today’s youth, and allows them to learn that these were the kinds of games their parents and grandparents used to play,” Centena said in an interview with DZSR Sports Radio 918.

He thanked the PSC for sustaining the program and providing support, saying the continued collaboration between the agency and NCIP plays a key role in preserving indigenous heritage.

The featured games included lisik-lisik, kadang-kadang sa paya, kadang-kadang sa kawayan, mat weaving, pukol, fire making, bayo sa palay, trumpo, kasing, palo sebo and turtle race.

Demonstration events such as pitiw, patintero, pana, ukbo, turnilyo and piol were also showcased.

Delegations included Ati and Akeanon Bukidnon groups from Aklan, Ati and Iraynon Bukidnon from Antique, Ati, Halawodnon Bukidnon and Panay Bukidnon from Iloilo, and Panay Bukidnon and Ati from Capiz.

Guimaras was represented by its Ati community.

Beyond the competitions, organizers also held an IP forum that addressed fraudulent claims and the selling of ancestral domains, linking cultural preservation with broader issues affecting indigenous communities.

The PSC has organized the IP Games since 2018 in response to the call of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization to safeguard cultural heritage.

PSC Commissioner Matthew “Fritz” Gaston led the opening rites alongside Iloilo City Sports and Games Regulation Officer II John Lester Santiago, representing Mayor Raisa Treñas, and NCIP officials.

Santiago said hosting the games reflects the city government’s commitment to promoting local culture while encouraging Ilonggos to stay active through sports.

The event concluded with awarding ceremonies at La Paz Elementary School, where winners received medals and cash incentives.

Gaston welcomed the strong turnout and expressed hope that more local government units will partner with the PSC to sustain efforts that highlight indigenous heritage.

The IP Games, he said, serve not only as a sporting event but also as a platform for passing traditions on to the next generation.