Salaknib mulls August arnis tourney in Baguio

OWING to the recent success of the 1st Igorot Arnis Club Invitational Tournament recently, another arnis tournament is being eyed next month.

Salakanib Martial Arts System will be the host this time as top arnisadores from Baguio, Benguet and nearby provinces are expected to join in the event tentatively slated on last week of August.

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Trophies await winners in the Batang Pinoy, Juniors Boys' and Girls', and Seniors Men's and Women's categories for the labanan (full contact) and individual events for solo and double bastons and team competition in the anyo (forms) divisions.

Seven weight divisions will be played in the open division, which will pit teams from the colleges and clubs from the various schools and organizations in Baguio and Benguet.

At least five divisions will also be opened in the high school category while three age groups in the elementary will also be played.

More than 10 clubs are expected to join the one-day tournament after arnis was recently declared the national martial art and sport.

Republic Act 9850, which was signed by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Dec. 11, conforms to the state policy to inculcate patriotism, nationalism and appreciation of the role of national heroes and symbols in the Philippines' historical development.

The number of teams is expected to swell on competition day itself which is sanctioned by the Arnis Federation of the Philippines.

The tournament will also be a part of the sports promotion in the countryside because the law also mandates that arnis competitions are to be included in every sports meet.