NEW CLARK CITY, Tarlac (PIA) -- National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City (NCC) will sustain the golden era of Philippine sports, and promote the welfare and development of young athletes. 
 
President Rodrigo Duterte stressed that part of his legacy involves the implementation of comprehensive projects and activities that focus on maximizing the potential and athletic skills of students. 

“It is my hope and maybe my prayer that the pioneer batch of student-athletes become well-rounded Olympians and champions that will carry our flag in the international sports arena, and [will] inspire a deep sense of patriotism among the Filipinos,” he stressed during Tuesday’s inspection of NAS learning and training center for Filipino scholar-athletes. 

He added that he did not hesitate in signing Republic Act 11470, which established the NAS System, as it will pave the way towards the development of young athletes. 

“I encourage the public, especially the youth, to take notice of the many talented athletes who are making waves in international sports. NAS is envisioned to be a world-class facility that would serve as a forefront in our efforts to provide a conducive environment for the academic, sports training and character development of our young athletes,” he stated. 
 
Duterte likewise commended Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), NAS officials, government agencies and other private partners for the construction of the facilities despite the limits of the COVID-19 pandemic. 
 
For her part, Education Secretary Leonor Briones recognized the contribution of sports to the overall development of youth, and called for the inclusion of sports development in the curriculum. 

“Sports is a tradition for us Filipinos and it is time that it has to be organized and integrated in our educational system. In learning and studying, one does not separate the physical from the intellectual activities of learners,” she said. 

The cabinet official added that the Philippines must take its place in the community of countries which take sports very seriously, and must concentrate on developing sports children and sports learners. 

On another note, NAS Executive Director Josephine Joy Reyes vowed that the learning institution will stay true to its mandate, vision and mission to bring every student from their home to the podium—from national pride to global achievement— through enhanced and quality secondary education.
“NAS realized our promise to deliver world-class facilities that are at par to international standards in order to develop the athletic skills and talents of student-athletes scholars. [Also,] NAS was able to create a formidable program which focuses on sports training, movement skills, strength and conditioning,” she noted. 

As in-charge of the construction of classrooms, dormitories, other sports facilities and related amenities, BCDA  OIC-President and CEO Aristotle Batuhan backed NAS in providing young and deserving Filipinos a better head start in sports competitions. 

He said the climate-resilient learning center links seamlessly into the development of Clark sports training complex as well as the universities and academic institutions which will rise in NCC.

“We have made it our mission to do our share to help our countrymen raise the flag during sports events. With NAS standing side by side with the  world-class facilities, NCC will serve as the cradle of future Filipino champions,” Batuhan underscored. 
 
Duterte inspected the world-class Academic and Administration Building, and the Multi-Purpose Gymnasium, which are both included in the P557.8 million Phase 1 of NAS. 
 
The Academic and Administration Building has a 5,492 square-meter gross floor area with classrooms, office space, faculty and school administration rooms, and student services spaces. 

Moreover, the 5,620 square-meter Multi-Purpose Gymnasium is expected to provide support for facilities and amenities for athletes, and to serve as a venue for practice games and official events for various sports. 

NAS System is attached to Department of Education, in close coordination with the Philippine Sports Commission. 

The academy is mandated to implement a quality and enhanced secondary education program, integrated with a special curriculum on sports. 

Furthermore, it seeks to identify and hone academically competent youth with strong athletic potential into responsible Filipinos that would contribute to nation-building. (CLJD/TJBM-PIA 3)