Philippine Exercise and Sports Sciences
Exercise and Sports
Science in the Philippines: Ideals and Context Realism
At present, there are only a few studies on this issue in the country, and they focus on tracer studies on where the graduates of this course are, whether they are in the right field of employment, they are already making a significant contribution to the development of sports and exercise in the country. In the essay, the aim is to present the reasons, current situation, challenges, and opportunities that need to be addressed. Again, this essay is more relevant to non-private educational institutions.
The Philippine Constitution has a provision in its Article XIV Section 19 which states that “(1) The State shall promote physical education and encourage sports programs, league competitions, and amateur sports, including training for international competition, to foster self-discipline, teamwork, and excellence for the development of a healthy and alert citizenry.” This shows the very important role of sports and exercise in having physically fit and productive citizens.
Also noteworthy is the growth of sporting events, whether professional or amateur, and the growth of fitness industries in the country. Overall, sports and exercise are not only self-gratifying but also play an important role in social entertainment, employment, and national productivity.
Such social development requires professionals to play a role in furthering this growth, there is a need for skilled and academically competent people in the field of sports development, in the performance enhancement of players, in the managerial aspects of competition and fitness industries, and here is the need for graduates in courses related to Exercise and Sport Science.
The Exercise and Sports Science course originated from the initiative of sports professionals and well-known personalities in Physical Education. Some state universities and private universities started the Bachelor of Sports Science course, where they wanted to meet the demand of professionals in the field of sports in the country. The CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 81, Series of 2017 is a more formal legal basis that outlines the policies, standards, and guidelines for the Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Sciences (BSESS) program in the Philippines. This CMO specifies the core competencies expected of BSESS graduates, including those related to fitness and sports management, coaching, and applied exercise and sports sciences.
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kinetics under the trees
The BSESS program has two specialization options: Fitness and Sports Coaching, where graduates are expected to serve in professions that require sports development and training, while Fitness and Sports Management is expected to produce graduates who are competent in performing managerial tasks in the sports and fitness industries.
There are state and local colleges and universities that offer these courses, and in the few years since the implementation of this CMO, there have been three or more batches of graduates from this course.
Observation from Reality
Lack of Understanding of the Course
Many students take this course for
various reasons, such as “I love sports,” which is a valid reason, but we
should know that this course is not just about acquiring sports skills and
practices; it will study the science behind sports and exercise. A student of
this course should look at sports not only in their emotional and technical
aspects, looking at a sport or exercise activity through the lenses of their
physiology, psychology, biomechanics, and social sciences.
Some students say, “This is the easiest, I didn’t get into my first choice.” The exercise and sport science course is seen as a “fall back” in case students fail to pass the actual course they want to study. Especially in state universities where education is free, it is very telling if they miss out on free education even though they cannot get into the actual course they want, “what is important is that they studied at a state university.” Most people find it more important to graduate even if this is not what they deserve, because for ordinary Filipinos, education is a key to success in life. There are also times when this course becomes a buffer or catch-up for those who did not pass the qualifying examination for the Bachelor of Physical Education (BPE) course and the course offered in the Colleges of Criminal Justice. This is because the BSESS course is also offered by the same college or department that offers BPE, so students who did not pass the Student Aptitude Test of BPE and Criminology courses are the ones who take the BSESS course.
There are students of the BSESS course who do not understand why this is their chosen course, other than the ones mentioned. Also, in the faculty ranks, many do not understand why there is BSESS and what the product of this course should be, because there are rarely true faculty members who come from the discipline of exercise and sports science.
Lack of Fundamental Physical Skills
The ideal students to enroll in the BSESS course are graduates of the Sports Track in senior high school, because this track prepares senior high school students with the important technical foundations for the exercise and sports science course. Senior high school graduates who have become sports athletes can also be considered, as they will better understand the field of sports and fitness.
But sports tracks for senior high schools are rare, especially in public senior high schools. Several private schools offer them and have sufficient sports facilities to meet the needs of the sports track. The obvious reason why almost no one offers them in public high schools is the lack of proper sports facilities. So, in short, ideal students for the BSESS course are rare.
It is noticeable that a large number of college students who enter the BSESS course have no interest in sports, or worse, do not know any sports, dance, or any quality recreational activities. In the field of physical skills, many students in the BSESS course lack basic physical skills such as proper locomotor and non-locomotor mechanics. It is very difficult to teach sports science subjects to students who have no background in any sports; if there are any sports, they are only at the recreational level. As one teacher said, “It is difficult to teach sports science and coaching to students who have not been sports enthusiasts or student-athletes.”
Lack of Competent Instructors
Because the BSESS course is still new in
most schools that offer it. The need for faculty members who are good and
competent in sports science is lacking or non-existent. Most of them are
graduates of the pioneers of sports science courses in the country, and the
graduates are immersed in the sports and fitness industry, and their financial
compensation in the industry may be better than if they were to teach in
schools. Also, there are not really that many graduates of pioneering
institutions that offer sports science. Those who usually teach sports science
subjects such as exercise physiology, sports psychology, biomechanics,
ergogenics, and others are physical education teachers, because they are the
ones who are at least somehow engaged in physical activities, but there is a
big difference between sports science and physical education graduates, they
are indeed both included in the discipline of Human Kinetics, but the BPE
graduate is molded for pedagogy or teaching students physical activities, while
the BSESS graduate should be a professional who focuses on athletic
development, sports development, and leadership in the scientific progress of
sports and physical activities. Therefore, it is usually observed that the PE
teacher who will teach sports psychology or any sport science subject will be
teaching it for the first time and will only now be able to read it while
teaching, they are at least one-step ahead of the student regarding the course
to be taught, but this is not good because what if a student has a deeper
understanding of the subject than the teacher who is only now understanding
what he will teach. “The difficulty in teaching motor learning as a subject is
that we didn’t have that subject when I was in college, and I’ve only heard
about it now,” said a PE teacher who was assigned to teach the sport science
subject.
Ideally, those who teach the sport science subject are professionals in the field of each subject, but this is an “ideal” and not a reality in the country. There are some competent teachers in these subjects, but they are found in pioneering schools that offer sports science courses.
Lack
of Instructional Facilities
To develop competent and highly skilled
sports and exercise science professionals, long exposure to sports and fitness
activities is necessary, as well as the availability of sports and fitness
facilities to ensure quality learning for sports science students. Some of the
“ideal” facilities to facilitate better learning are the following:
Training facilities – such as track and field ovals, swimming pools, gymnasiums, and various types of courts.
Training equipment, such as tools and gear for any particular sporting event.
Training Laboratories – such as having treadmills, strength and conditioning weight rooms, cycle ergometers, thermoregulation testing equipment, expired gas analysis equipment, biomechanics analysis equipment.
Research Laboratories – such as EMG systems, movement analysis systems, etc.
While the above are indeed “ideal” in the context of the country, having at least some training facilities is very important in the development of sports science students. It seems difficult to teach the subject of “weight training” if the school does not have a weight room, as one teacher said, “you just send plastic bottles filled with sand to study weight training.” How could a local college that offers a sports science course only have a small covered multi-purpose court?
Challenges
The reality of the exercise and sports
science course in the country is truly sad when compared to its ideal. Physical
education in the country continues to struggle to have quality facilities and
better learning outcomes, especially in the field of sports science. But in any
case, having a systematic and determined initiative is necessary.
In terms of lack of understanding of the course, it would be good if these institutions would strive to make aspiring students understand more about what the course is, what are the necessary skills for the fitness and sport industry, and this can be done by having popular Instructional Educational and Communication (IEC) materials that can be used in marketing the BSESS course. Also, to have enhancement capability training for faculty members who will teach sports science subjects.
Maximizing available
resources for student development
Regarding the Lack of Student Fundamental Skills in Sports Science, the existence of screening and admission policies that will filter out students who will take the sports science course is necessary; enrolled students who are non-sporty can be developed through their regular engagement in the designated sports activities of the institution. Student organizations within the institution can collaborate in conducting activities and development training.
The lack of competent sports science teachers can be addressed if those who are hired to teach sports science subjects have experience and specialization in the aforementioned sports science subjects, if there is no employable for this, the training and deepening of understanding of the sports science subject among existing faculty members who are physical education graduates is only the way. It is also possible to network or collaborate with colleges/departments such as medicine, engineering, and nursing, or any part of the institution that is related to the subject of sports science. Such as inviting teachers of medicine regarding the teaching of physiology, with a limitation only in the matter of physical activities. Psychology teachers can teach some parts of the subject of sports psychology, such as topics of personality, behavior, stress, and arousal. Encouraging PE graduates to continue their master's studies in the field of sports science is best for the long-term development of the faculty.
Conducting capability
enhancement with faculty members
Due to the lack of facilities for teaching sports science subjects and training, collaboration with other colleges or departments of the university is important; if not, having an agreement with nearby institutions, such as public sports facilities if the school does not have one.
Additionally, involving students and faculty members in researching any topic of sports science is important, not just limited to the social sciences of sports and exercise; it is also good to explore case studies and experimental research.
This essay is limited to the experience, observation, and some small-scale studies regarding the situation of sports science courses in the country. It would be better if there were more studies regarding:
Profile of Students and Teachers of Sport Science
Progress
and Teaching Development in Sports Science
Employability
of Sports Science Graduates
Needs
Analysis on the Industry Preparedness of Sports Science Graduates
Competency
Level of Faculty Members Teaching Sports Science Subject
References:
Anajao,
J. (2024). Personal Interviews on Teaching Sports Science
CHED
(2017). CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 81, Series of 2017. Policies and
Guidelines for Bachelor of Science in
Exercise and Sports Sciences (BSESS). Retrieve from: http://www.ched.gov.ph/.../page/2017-ched-memorandum-orders
Stone,
M., Sands, W., & Stone, M. (2004). The Downfall of Sports Science in the
United States. Sports and Conditioning
Journal. Retrieve from: https://journals.lww.com/nscascj/abstract/2004/04000/The_Downfall_of_Sports_Science_in_the_United.15.aspx%23pdf-link
Sports
Management Council of the Philippines. Schools Directory. Retrieved from:
https://www.sportphil.com/schools-directory/
SSEP
(2011). What is Sports Science? Sydney Sports & Exercise Physiology.
Retrieve
from: https://ssep.com.au/what-is-sport-science/
Written
by: Joel D. Anajao
April 4, 2025
Under the Mango Tree of the
Philippine Normal University
Here’s a clear summary of what I said about the topic “Exercise and Sports Science in the Philippines: Ideals and Context Realism”:
ReplyDeleteThis topic explores the difference between the ideal goals of exercise and sports science (like scientific training, better public health, and world-class athletes) and the real situation in the Philippines (such as lack of funding, facilities, and trained professionals).
While exercise and sports science has a lot of potential, it’s often limited by real-life challenges—especially in rural areas or public schools. To move forward, the Philippines needs more investment in education, facilities, and programs that match the country’s actual needs and resources.
The gap between ideals and reality is indeed a significant issue. More investment in education and infrastructure could help bridge this gap.
ReplyDeleteThis course should be for aspiring athletes, this could enhanced their learning and technique. This course can be highly recommend with those students who have passion for sports and teaching.
ReplyDeleteI think Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Sciences. Is very recommendable for those students who love sports that promote their knowledge and highly recommend for those who have a Sports.
ReplyDelete"Physical education in the country continues to struggle to have quality facilities and better learning outcomes, especially in the field of sports science."
ReplyDeleteIn this sentence, I agree that every school especially in the public really struggles to have a great quality facilities and better learning outcomes in physical education because of the lack of budget and other finances to supply for it.
Sports science is a multidisciplinary field that applies scientific principles to understand and enhance human performance in sports and exercise. It involves studying how the body functions during physical activity and how to improve athletic performance, prevent injuries, and support recovery.
ReplyDeleteI think a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Science is recommendable for people who love sports to show their talents in the field of sports or coaching. This course is not all about playing a sport but about learning how to improve athletic performance, prevent injuries, and support recovery. Also, you can be physically fit.
ReplyDelete“It is difficult to teach sports science and coaching to students who have not been sports enthusiasts or student-athletes.” In this sentence it points that many students that enter the field of this program are truly lacking the skills of being a sports candidate for being a coach or fitness instructor/ specialist. Not only they lack enthusiasm but there's also a huge block why we can't meet the ideal on BSESS, and that is when it comes to budget, most of universities especially public are lacking on budget to support this program, when it it comes to providing facilities and equipments if we cannot provide this, there's a factor and possibility that we may not achieve our certain goal to meet the ideal image of BSESS in this country.
ReplyDeleteBilang estudyante ng BSESS major in Sports Coaching, nakarelate talaga ako sa blog nato. Ako mismo, pinili kong huwag ipasa ang qualifying exam para mapunta ako sa gusto kong course which is ito. dahil alam kong dito ako magiging masaya at makakatulong sa iba sa pamamagitan ng fitness and sports. Totoo rin na madalas hindi nauunawaan ng iba kung ano talaga ang BSESS akala nila puro laro lang, pero hindi nila alam yung ginagawa namin ay mas may challenge pa sa inaakala nila. Naranasan ko rin yung kakulangan sa kagamitan at minsan sa instructors, pero natututo akong magadjust at maghanap ng paraan para mas lumawak pa yung nalalaman ko. Sa kabila ng lahat ng challenges, proud ako sa path na pinili ko dahil alam kong dito ako lalago bilang future coach at leader sa larangan ng sports.
ReplyDeleteThis Course help them to know what is BSESS is all about. This course explain them how to manage a situation when it comes in teaching human body parts and also it helps them to find a job someday. Marami sa mga studyante ang hindi nakakaalam kung ano nga ba ang Course na to, Alin sa mga pag aaral marami sa mga students ang kulang sa Fundamental skills at at kakulangan sa kaalaman sa course na kanilang kinukuha. Kayat itong pag aaral ay makakatulong sa mga studyante na mag karoon ng kaalaman sa Course na ito.
ReplyDeleteA key issue raised is that many students enter BSESS not out of passion or purpose, but as a second or third option due to admissions setbacks. This creates a student population that may not be fully motivated or prepared for the academic and physical demands of the course. While education access is a right and necessity, the sustainability of programs like BSESS depends heavily on aligning student qualifications, faculty competence, and institutional support. Despite these realities, it points out the growing importance of sports and exercise in the country from health and wellness to entertainment and economic development. This is why reform and investment in the BSESS program are essential. There must be stronger pipelines from senior high school, better faculty development, and increased public recognition of the field’s value.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteCurrent Issues in BSESS is an peer-reviewed platinum open-access journal publishing articles of high standard on all aspects of current sport and exercise science. The journal includes sections such as biology and biomechanics & informatics, movement & exercise science, pedagogy & history, psychology & philosophy, public health, sociology & economics and technology.
DeleteBachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Science is a course wherein you will know how fitness and sports give a big contribution to a one’s life. Fitness as a good factor in life to achieve a healthy and stronger body. Sports as a recreational activity that helps someone’s lifestyle much better. Many think that this course isn’t helpful because they only think it’s only all about games, play, and other exercise but this is a big factor that help most people to have a proper and right execution and knowledge about conducting different activities. This also help one’s skill to improve.
ReplyDeleteMaraming estudyante ang hindi mashadong alam kung ano ba talaga ang BSESS, nasa isip nila laro laro lng zumba zumba pero deep inside Interesting pala ang kurso nato. As a BSESS student masasabi ko na di ako nagkamali ng pinili na kurso. We should develop everyone's skills at e angat ang Exercise and sports science na minamaliit ng ibang Kabsuhenyo at ginagawang tapunan.
ReplyDeleteSports and exercise are essential for personal and national development. They improve physical fitness, confidence, teamwork, and mental well-being. The Philippine Constitution supports this by promoting physical education and sports to build a healthy, disciplined, and productive society. As sports grow in popularity, there's a rising need for skilled professionals in sports science, leading to the creation of related college programs like the Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Sciences.
ReplyDeleteThe essay calls for systematic initiatives to improve public understanding of BSESS, enhance faculty training, and invest in facilities, creating a supportive environment for the growth of the field.
ReplyDeleteThe BSESS program holds great potential in addressing the growing needs of the sports and fitness industries. However, People have lack of understanding about the course itself that's why many people criticize it without learning about it and it is also why some students choose this course as their last option if they failed to acquire the course they intended to get. Encouraging proper student screening and building partnerships with other departments or institutions can also help maximize limited resources. With this the BSESS program can produce capable graduates who will elevate the standards of sports science in the country.
ReplyDeleteThis blog is very informative and shows how sports and exercise help not only in physical health but also in building confidence, teamwork, and discipline. It’s nice to know that the sports and fitness industry is growing in the country. The creation of the BSESS course is a great way to support this growth and train future professionals in sports development, coaching, and fitness management. It’s a good opportunity for students who are passionate about sports to turn their interest into a career.
ReplyDeleteAs a BSESS student, the second sentence caught my attention. Our course often gets criticized, with people saying things like “zumba zumba lang naman ’yan.” But I can say that we BSESS is more than that. It’s not just about sports or skills, we also study the science behind it, which is the most interesting part for me.
ReplyDeleteSome people look down on our course too much, but as a BSESS student, I know that’s not right. We study hard, and our subjects are not easy. We learn about the human body, movement, performance and etc. and it takes us lot of efforts and knowledge to understand all that. I hope more people will learn to respect our course and stop underestimating it.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis Course of BSESS are offers valuable learning opportunities, not only for individuals who are athletic but also for those seeking to develop their skills and passion. It provides a strong foundation in the fundamentals of fitness, including proper movement execution and exercise techniques to prevent injury. Although some may perceive the course as easy and not take it seriously, I chose to pursue it despite not being a naturally sporty person. My intention is to broaden my understanding of sports, even through activities like dancing. I believe the knowledge I gain from this course will be beneficial in my future profession and may support my aspiration to become a coach one day.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMany people misunderstand the Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Sciences, thinking it only involves playing sports and dancing, when in reality, the course is much more comprehensive and scientific. This misconception often leads others to overlook the academic and professional depth of the program, which includes subjects such as human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, sports psychology, and exercise programming. It prepares students for various careers in fitness training, sports coaching, rehabilitation, and sports management. The course not only focuses on physical activity but also equips students with the skills to assess, design, and implement evidence-based exercise programs and contribute to the overall health and performance of individuals and athletes.
ReplyDeleteA Bachelor's in Exercise and Sports Sciences provides knowledge about how the body moves and performs during physical activity. It helps students learn how to improve health, fitness, and sports performance through exercise and training. The degree also covers injury prevention and rehabilitation techniques. Graduates can work in areas like coaching, fitness training, health promotion, or continue into fields like physiotherapy. Overall, it prepares individuals to support both athletes and the general population in achieving physical well-being.
ReplyDeleteBSESS can teach us how to manage the player or how you guide the player, it also discuss how body parts movement and how important it is.
ReplyDelete"It is noticeable that a large number of college students who enter the BSESS course have no interest in sports, or worse, do not know any sports, dance, or any quality recreational activities." I agree on this statement. I have many classmates in BSESS who are not serious about this course. For me, it is okay if they are not familiar with a specific sport game or how to execute an exercise as long as they show interest in learning it but it is sad that they say "importante lang naman na makatapos ng 4-year na course" because they say they will take other jobs in the future. Which is sad that there are so many BSESS students but only a few take this course seriously and only a few are willing to become a coach, fitness instructor, or even a teacher who will teach and inspire aspiring BSESS students someday that it's not just about dance or exercise but it's more than that.
ReplyDeleteReading this blog helps me learn more about the BSESS course. Like me, I believe that other first-year students share the same opinion. Students are learning more than just zumba and games, as seen by this.
ReplyDeleteMany BSESS students lack genuine interest in sports or recreational activities, with some even admitting they’re only in the course to graduate and pursue unrelated careers. While it's understandable if they’re unfamiliar with certain skills, it's disappointing that only a few take the course seriously or aspire to become professionals like coaches or fitness instructors. This reflects a broader issue where the deeper value of the program is often overlooked.
ReplyDelete