THE PHILIPPINE FENCING FEDERATION

ABOUT PFA

• History of Fencing in the Philippines
  

The sport of fencing in the Philippines dates back in the middle of the 19^th century, when the Spanish colonizers in the country introduced the practice of amateur sport of swordsmanship.  Many Filipino revolutionaries were known to have taken up the sport at that time.  Pictures of Filipino heroes such as Dr. Jose Rizal, brothers Antonio Luna and Juan Luna are shown engaging in the sport of fencing.

Fencing continued at the turn of the century among Filipinos and some American and Spanish expatriates who held friendly and informal competitions.  In the 1930s, Don FRANCISCO  L. DAYRIT became the first Filipino Fencing Master and propagated the sport more formally.  At the end of WWII, he started fencing classes at the Ateneo De Manila University, the University of the Philippines and the Far Eastern University.  A few private clubs likewise sprouted organized by his former students, and regular competitions were then conducted.

In 1957, Dayrit founded the Philippine Amateur Fencers Association and registered it with the Philippines Securities and Exchange Commission as a non-stock, non-profit sport organization, with ADOLFO FELICIANO being its first president.  Though being a champion fencer during his time, Feliciano is better remembered being an Olympian shooter and the popular TV Dance show host.

The other PAFA presidents following the term of Feliciano were Advertising Executive ANTONIO HERRERA, AIM Dean GASTON ORTIGAS, Judge BIENVENIDO EJERCITO, and Assemblyman ARTURO BARBERO.  Bank Executive CELSO L. DAYRIT assumed the Presidency of the PAFA in 1997 until 2008.  Lawyer VICTOR C. AFRICA took over the Presidency of the PAFA in 2009 until 2012, and was succeeded by Movie Actor RICHARD I. GOMEZ who assumed as President of the PAFA which was renamed as PHILIPPINE FENCING ASSOCIATION INC.

PAFA was accredited by the Federation Internationale D’Escrime in 1967 as the National Sports Association for Fencing in the Philippines.  It was accepted as member of the Philippine Olympic Committee in 1978, was a chartered member of the Southeast Asian Fencing Federation in 1987, and the Fencing Confederation of Asia in 1988.

MISSION

• Develop World-Class Athletes:  To train and support Filipino fencers in achieving competitive excellence at national and international competitions, fostering discipline and dedication in every athlete.

VISION

• To establish the Philippines as a leading nation in fencing, nurturing athletes of all levels through excellence, integrity and sportsmanship, while fostering a culture of inclusivity and passion for the sport both nationally and internationally.