NEW CLARK CITY, Tarlac – The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), the Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU), and the national rugby team Philippine Volcanoes joined forces to conduct a rugby clinic for young members of the communities in Tarlac.
Held at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium, the activity carried the theme “Empowering Youths, Celebrating Heritage.”
It drew around 30 participants from Sitio Tilik and Sitio Telapilun in Barangay San Roque, Bamban and Barangay Sta. Lucia, Capas.
Members of the Philippine Volcanoes taught the participants and introduced rugby as a sport through group activities that encouraged an active lifestyle and promoted teamwork, discipline, and resilience.
The initiative marked the second partnership between BCDA and the national rugby team, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to grassroots sports and youth development.
In her remarks, BCDA Vice President for Public Affairs Leilani Barlongay-Macasaet highlighted the Authority’s commitment to its stakeholders and to building a strong foundation for the future of sports in the country, in New Clark City—home to the National Academy of Sports.
“By hosting this event, we give greater meaning to what New Clark City is to us. This metropolis fuels an enabling experience, a nurturing place for learning, dreaming and realizing these dreams. A sustainable development that is meant to benefit all,” Macasaet stated.
PRFU President Ada Milby noted that the rugby clinic builds on last year’s successful engagement with New Clark City communities, where PRFU also conducted grassroots training.
”We just want to bring rugby to more communities. We want to just continue growing the sport, that way, whether you want to play rugby or you want to watch rugby, that there’s a place for you to go,” Milby said.
As part of the engagement, BCDA likewise introduced the players to its community development initiatives, particularly the Ayta Ethno Botanical Center (AEBC) in New Clark City.
AEBC Project Manager and University of the Philippines Professor Florencia Charito Imperial-Sebastian delivered a lecture on community empowerment and culture integration.
Through the AEBC, BCDA, in collaboration with the Pampanga State Agricultural University and the Department of Agriculture in Central Luzon, continues to empower indigenous communities with sustainable farming practices and long-term livelihood opportunities.
The partnership between PRFU and BCDA underscores their shared vision to foster sports development and community empowerment, while celebrating the rich heritage of the indigenous peoples of Tarlac.
The rugby clinic took place on September 13, 2025, while the Volcanoes were training in New Clark City in preparation for the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series, where the top eight rugby clubs in Asia compete.
Currently, the Women’s Volcanoes rank 11th in Asia following their win against Indonesia at Hangzhou Normal University in China.
The Men’s Volcanoes, meanwhile, rank 12th after bowing to Thailand in their final match.
The next leg of the series will be held in Sri Lanka on October 18 to 19, 2025.
Aside from the series, the Philippine Volcanoes are also preparing for the Southeast Asian Games this December in Thailand, where the national team will defend their gold and silver medals in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively. (CLJD/MAECR, PIA Region 3-Tarlac)