Both houses of Congress of ratified the Bicameral Conference Committee Report on the Disagreeing Provisions of Senate Bill No. 1086 and House Bill No. 6312, establishing the National Academy of Sports (NAS).
The bill would establish the academy’s main campus at the existing New Clark City Sports Complex in Capas, Tarlac, and shall be equipped with the necessary sports facilities, housing, and other amenities which are at par with international standards. This will give the students priority access to facilities at the New Clark City Sports Complex. It would also set up future nationally-funded regional high schools for sports.
The NAS will be implementing a quality and enhanced secondary education program, with a special curriculum on sports. This program will be geared towards early recognition and development of talented students, especially those who have shown potential to excel in sports. The curriculum’s design will consider the students’ training needs while providing for holistic quality education.
According to Rep. Victor Yap (2nd District, Tarlac), principal author of the measure, the bill seeks to provide a conducive educational environment that develops athletes into mature, self-directed, life-long learners with a focus on pursuing excellence in sports and physical education while achieving academic excellence.
He expressed optimism that this legislation can shape the future of Philippine sports.
“A good standing in international competitions will not only improve international perception, it will also boost the national morale and would create a positive domino effect of support for the national athletes, which is an essential tool for national unity,” Rep. Yap concluded.
Rep. Yap expressed gratitude to: Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, Chair of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts, and Culture and Representative Roman Romulo, Chair of House Committee Basic Education and Culture, and the members of the Bicameral Conference Committee for their full support for the legislation. Aside from Cong Yap, members include Senators Pia Cayetano, Sonny Angara and Francis Tolentino, and Representatives Roman Romulo, Eric Martinez, Mark Go, and France Castro.
President Rodrigo Duterte has expressed his support for the NAS during his 2019 State of the Nation Address, citing the piece of legislation as long overdue.