BARELY a month when the Laro't Saya sa Parke program of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) was relaunched in Davao City last July 9, the weekly free arnis clinic has been attracting beginners at the People's Park.
Kapatirang Dobe Olisi Escrima Davao chief Mario Palazuelo said seeing new enthusiasts learning the ropes of the Filipino martial art is a welcome development.
"Nalipay ko nga dunay programa ang gobyerno nga libre og naka-service ko (I'm happy that the government has a free program like this and I was able to also render my service)," he said after the recent resumption of the Laro't Saya sa Parke, which is part of PSC's Sports for All program, that aims to promote family bonding through health and fitness.
He, however, said attendance in the weekly arnis clinic varies.
"Naay usahay daghan, usahay murag mugamay... depende lang kung dunay activity sa mga schools (There were times that attendance went up but there is also a time that only few came since maybe due to some activities in school)," Palazuelo said considering that most participants are students.
Elmer Gumisad, 53, and a resident of Barangay 3-A, said he got interested to learn arnis from the first time he saw Palazuelo conduct the clinic. He then brough his daughter Ella Mar so they could learn arnis together.
Gumisad said, "Ikatulong balik na namo ni. Exciting magtuon (This is our third time to join. It's exciting to learn)."
Twelve-year-old Ella Mar, a Grade 6 student of United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) Paaralang Pag-asa along Bonifacio Street, for her part, said
she has started to learn blocking and striking techniques so far.
"I also met new friends," she added in the vernacular.
Meanwhile, Zumba drew 380 attendees as rugby football had 15 and taekwondo with 38. The karatedo clinic did not resume as the Kadayawan sa Dabaw karatedo tournament was also held last weekend.
All free sports clinics and Zumba class will resume on Sunday.
The weekly program is being held in coordination with the City Government of Davao through the Sports Development Division of the City Mayor's Office.
