PASIG CITY -- The National Academy of Sports (NAS) has begun the construction of the learning center and training ground for Filipino scholar-athletes at the New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac.
The first phase consists of NAS Administration Building, Academic Building, and a Multi-purpose gym to be completed by February 2022.
"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," NAS Executive Director Joy Reyes said.
On October 09, NAS, the Department of Education (DepEd), the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) unveiled the ceremonial marker and architectural renders of the soon-to-be home of Filipino student-athletes and professionals.
Education Chief Leonor Magtolis Briones noted that these developments would assist student-athlete scholars in making their dreams a reality.
"These developments in our Academy will help us in nurturing the talents and potential of our student-athletes as we equip them through our world-class facilities while developing their academic capabilities and character,” Secretary Briones said.
Meanwhile, Undersecretary for Field Operations, Palarong Pambansa Secretariat, and DEACO Atty. Revsee Escobedo shared that although the pandemic occurred amid the realization of the Academy, NAS officials and partners are determined to finish the construction.
“The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic converged with the inception of the new Sports Academy. This circumstance has posed unprecedented challenges to the Ad Hoc Committee in their endeavor to commence initial preparations for the establishment of the Academy,” he said.
“However, these did not stop them in their resolute determination to realize the ultimate goal of nurturing exceptional Filipino student-athletes,” he added.
In the future phases of the construction, the NAS will put up additional administrative, educational, and sports facilities. It includes school buildings, gyms, auditorium, table tennis, martial arts, gymnastics, weightlifting training areas, basketball, and volleyball courts.
The unveiling of NAS ceremonial marker and architectural renders were also attended by DepEd Assistant Secretary for National Academy of Sports and Field Operations Malcolm Garma, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez, BCDA Senior Vice President Engr. Joshua Bingcang, Tarlac Governor Susan Yap, and Capas Mayor Rey Catacutan.
In June 2020, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed Republic Act (RA) 11470 or the National Sports Academy Act to provide an avenue for secondary students who wants to pursue professional sports. The President chose New Clark City, a rising metropolis and sports complex developed by the government, as the site of NAS.
NAS scholars can access world-class facilities inside the New Clark City, including the Athletics Stadium with a track certified as Class 1 by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and the Aquatics Center certified by Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA).
For School Year 2021-2022, NAS welcomed its first batch of student-athlete scholars with a specialized sports-oriented education curriculum via remote learning modalities. (DepEd)
