President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday conducted an inspection of the state-of-the-art National Academy of Sports (NAS) facilities at the New Clark City Sports Complex, Capas, Tarlac, marking a significant milestone for Philippine sports development.
President Marcos was accompanied by Education Secretary Sonny Angara during the inspection, where the facility highlights the administration’s commitment to supporting young Filipino student-athletes through world-class training venues and cutting-edge academic infrastructure.
The President interacted with the young athletes from different sports during his inspection of the facilities.
“We are immensely proud to see how this institution has grown into a premier hub that bridges elite athletic training and quality academic education for our youth. Under the leadership of President Marcos, we will continue to enhance these spaces to produce champions who will proudly represent the Philippines on the global stage,” Angara said.
“It is a big honor and privilege for our student learners to have a chance to meet His Excellency, President Ferdinand Marcos. Batid namin kung gaano kalaki ang pagpapahalaga at suporta na binibigay ni Pangulong Marcos para sa ating mga pambansang atleta at mga kabataang nasa larangan ng sports,” Associate Professor Francis Carlos Diaz, NAS Executive Director, said.
The National Academy of Sports (NAS) was established under Republic Act No. 11470 to institutionalize a premier educational and athletic pathway for gifted young Filipinos, DepEd said in a statement.
The visit highlights the administration’s aggressive push to modernize grassroots sports infrastructure and showcases how the academy’s holistic support system is already producing champion-caliber results, DepEd said.
Data showed that the facility subsidizes a learner population of 246 elite student-athletes for School Year 2026–2027, with core disciplines specializing in training in seven foundational sports: aquatics, athletics, badminton, gymnastics, judo, table tennis, and taekwondo.
During the tour, the officials inspected the fully operational Phase 1 buildings, which house the Academic and Administration Building and a highly equipped Multi-Sports Gymnasium.
They also reviewed Phase 2 developments, currently at 98 percent completion, featuring a modern Gymnastics Hall, a Sports Performance Building, and comprehensive staff and student residences.
For the 2026–2027 School Year, the academy is prepared to support 246 student-athletes specializing in seven foundational sports: aquatics, athletics, badminton, gymnastics, judo, table tennis, and taekwondo.
The NAS program offers a holistic support system, providing learners with 24/7 care, dormitory housing, full daily meals and snacks, strength and conditioning support, and a monthly personal allowance of PHP3,000.
To maintain this intensive environment, the NAS workforce includes 174 dedicated personnel, including full-time faculty, program heads, and specialized coaches. This investment has already yielded results, with NAS athletes securing 1,029 medals in national and international competitions in 2025.
Most recently, the academy hauled in 26 medals—including 10 gold, 5 silver, and 11 bronze—during the 2026 Palarong Pambansa, demonstrating the rapid growth and elite standard of its sports program.
The Department of Education and NAS remain steadfast in their shared mission of developing world-class student-athletes while nurturing future leaders of the nation.