Recreation of the Filipino Family

Among the Filipino Families, the responsibility of earning a living, caring for the family
and maintaining a place in the community tend to relegate the recreation to a position of
minor significance. Seldom will you see families enjoying the weekend together.

This chapter on recreation of the Filipino family provides you concepts to:
1. Realize the role played by recreation towards building a home.
2. Identify the different types of recreation.
3. Select appropriate recreational activities that will benefit the members of the family.
4. Solve some family problems through recreation.

Recreation: A Fundamental human Need

Recreation is a form of experience engaged in by an individual for personal enjoyment

and satisfaction. The following are its characteristics:
1. It is purposeful.
2. It involves voluntary participation.
3. It has no single or universal form.
4. It involves an activity.
5.It occurs in unobligated time.

Like work, love and worship, recreation has been a form of human activity since the
earliest time. This is a fundamental need which is a key factor in the balanced
development of individual. For the individual. Recreation provides opportunities for the
following:
1. Enjoyment and satisfaction.
2. Release of tension/boredom
3. Balance growth.
4. Creativity/ self-expression.
5. Competition.
6. Learning
7. Therapy
8. Redirection of energy
9. Socialization
10. Character development

To the family, recreation helps in:

1. Development of close family ties.
2. Enjoyment of the company of family members.
3. Cooperation among family members.
4. Augment family income.
5. Release tension/boredom.

To the community, recreation provide opportunities for:

1.Development of community
2. Prevention of juvenile delinquency
3. Transmission of Filipino traditions
4. Prevention of crime
5. Prevention of drug addiction/matalillnes

Choices of Recreation

Planning for recreation should be a cooperative effort of the family. It

should involve all the members of the family with consideration of the
following aspects.

Purpose - The realization of the primary objective of the enjoyment and

satisfaction of the family member is a very important consideration.

Interest - Reaction must be built upon the development of interest among the
family members. In view of the wide variation of individual tastes and interests
a diversity of activities must be provided.

Time - The free time of leisure time where the family members have done
their obligation to themselves, family and community differs. Thus , planning
must be done in groups.

Health - The health conditions of each family member is an important aspect

of planning. This affects the enjoyment and satisfaction of the family
members.

Skill/Ability - The skill/ability possessed by the family members differ.

Therefore planning must provide for various skill/abilities in order to provide
opportunities for their development .

Sex - The different in sex influence the participation in various forms of

recreation . Boys and Girls under 10 years old generally enjoy playing
together. After puberty , boys usually degree makes competition between
sexes unsatisfactory.

Budget - The family budget limits the choice of the type of recreation .
However many forms of recreation provide not only enjoyment and
satisfaction but also opportunities to augment family income .

Place - Consideration of the place for recreation is very important specially

now that means of transportation is a problem throughout the country . Peace
and order situation is another factor to consider.

Problems in Recreation
Realizing the importance of recreation to the individual , family ,
community, the government and other agencies have taken steps to provide
for it. Recreational centers , were established. Programs were planned
specially during summer and holidays were individuals or families are
provided with opportunities for enjoyment and satisfaction .

Some of this problems are the following :

1. Lack of funds to provide for different facilities
2. Underdevelopment of interest among Filipino children
3. Lack of cooperation for the family to the national level
4. Filipino Culture
5. Poverty among the Filipino families

6. Lack of space specially in the cities

7. Poor means of transportation
8. Peace and order situation in certain parts of the
country
9. Effects of mass media
10. Poor means of communication

BTVED -FSM I-B

Reygie Urias
Tressia Mylle Santor