08/02/2026
Karate’s Road to Demo Sport Status
Many members of the karate community have been inquiring about the process through which karate became part of the Palarong Pambansa. It is important to clarify that this inclusion was not achieved overnight, but through years of compliance, coordination, and sustained engagement with established policies.
Formal advocacy for the inclusion of karate began in 2019, when Karate Pilipinas initiated discussions with the Department of Education (DepEd) toward its participation in the Palarong Pambansa. In 2020, karate was scheduled to be included as a demonstration sport during the May Palarong Pambansa; however, the event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in the suspension of school sports activities nationwide.
When the Palarong Pambansa resumed in 2023, DepEd implemented updated guidelines requiring all new sports to undergo three (3) consecutive years as exhibition sports before qualifying for demonstration sport status. In compliance with this policy, karate was approved and presented as an exhibition sport in Marikina in 2023. This was followed by a second year of exhibition participation in Cebu in 2024.
In 2025, following the appointment of a new DepEd Secretary, karate was initially not included in the program. Karate Pilipinas formally communicated with DepEd Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, with the support and assistance of Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, requesting that 2025 be recognized as the third year of exhibition participation, in consideration of prior approvals and continued compliance with DepEd requirements.
As a result of sustained efforts and adherence to established policies, karate has been approved as a DEMONSTRATION SPORT for the Palarong Pambansa 2026. This milestone reflects years of collaboration among the Department of Education, teachers, coaches, and the broader karate community, underscoring that inclusion in Philippine school sports is founded on consistency, cooperation, and commitment.
Karate Pilipinas expresses its sincere appreciation to the Department of Education, particularly Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, and to the Philippine Sports Commission, especially Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, for their leadership and continued support, as well as to the entire karate community and all partners, for their trust, cooperation, and commitment to the development of karate in Philippine school sports.
