THE construction of the P557.8-million first phase of the National Academy of Sports (NAS), a green and climate-resilient learning center and training ground for Filipino scholar-athletes at New Clark
City in Capas, Tarlac, has started.
The initial phase of the project that includes academic and administrative buildings as well as a multi-purpose gym is expected to be completed in February 2022.
The NAS, Department of Education (DepEd), Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) on October 9 unveiled the ceremonial marker and architectural renders of the training center.
NAS formally opened classes on September 13, welcoming its first batch of student-athlete scholars who are enrolled in a specialized sports-oriented education curriculum via remote learning modalities amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
“This momentous and historical event marks the beginning to showcase not just a physical structure but an institution that will provide the educational advancement and development of high-quality sports programs, training and experience to our future world-class student-athletes,” said NAS Executive Director Joy Reyes.
BCDA Senior Vice President Joshua Bingcang said the unveiling ceremony casts a vision for the country’s sports program for young, deserving scholar-athletes.
"We want the student-athletes, their families, the sports community, and the entire nation to know that we are united in helping them reach their dreams despite the pandemic and any challenges,” he said.
PSC Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez said the sports commission supports the endeavors of the NAS to provide quality education and special training for student-athletes and their campaign to represent the country in international competitions.
Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, said the establishment of NAS provides Filipino youth the opportunity for a holistic advancement in sports and education.
“It is my hope that this National Academy of Sports will just be one of the many steps that we will undertake to make our goals a reality. Let us continue working together to develop the Filipino youths’ potential in various sports and to encourage them to become better and to dream higher,” Go said.
Senators Sonny Angara and Pia Cayetano, who are also among the principal authors of RA 11470, extended their congratulations to the agencies behind NAS.
“I really look forward to NAS becoming the home of our future Olympians, our future Southeast Asian, Asian Games Champions. But, remember that it is so important to build the right foundations. So this is it, literally, building the foundation for their new homes,” Cayetano said.
“Congratulations po sa mag-eenroll, and maiden or first batch po dito sa National Academy of Sports, matagal na po nating pinangarap ito,” Angara said.
Tarlac Governor Susan Yap said the goal of the National Academy of Sports is not merely to make champions, but to promote and protect the youth’s physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being.
"More than anything, it is the discipline and teamwork which we hope to instill in our youth through sports that drives our leaders to build institutions such as the National Academy of Sports," the governor said.
President Rodrigo Duterte in June 2020 signed Republic Act 11470, establishing NAS as an educational facility for student-athletes.
Under the law, NAS is tasked to implement a secondary education program that is integrated with a special curriculum on sports to help Filipino athletes develop their skills.
New Clark City also features a world-class athletic stadium with a track certified as Class 1 by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and an Aquatics Center certified by Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA).