Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has declared arnis, a traditional form of martial art, as the country's national martial arts and sports.

This stemmed from the enactment of Republic Act 9850, or "An Act Declaring Arnis as the National Martial Arts and Sports of the Philippines", Philippine Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said at Friday's press briefing.

The law states that, starting from this year, arnis competition shall be included in the Palarong Pambansa or the national multi-sport event. The law also requires arnis to be a mandatory course or subject in all schools in the country. Prior to the bill, arnis is only offered in a few schools as an elective physical education subject.

Arnis is a complete martial art system, encompassing weapons training and empty-hand self-defense.