Capas, Tarlac – Works are in full swing for the P557.8-million Phase 1 of the National Academy of Sports project at the New Clark City here.
The NAS is a green and climate-resilient learning center and for deserving sports scholars athletes. It will be a breeding ground for future world champions.
NAS complex has Academics and administrative buildings as well as a multi-purpose gym.
Phase 1 will be completed in February 2022. It is a joint undertaking between the Bases Conversion Development Authority, Department of Education and Philippine Sports Commission.
Tarlac Gov. Susan Yap said the main objective of the project is not merely to make champions, but also promote and protect our youth physical, moral, spiritual and social well-being.
“More than anything, it is the discipline and teamwork which we hope to establish in our youth through sports that drives our leaders to build institutions such as the NAS,” said Yap in a statement issued by the BCDA.
The NAS formally opened classes on September 13, welcoming its first batch of student-athlete scholars, who are enrolled in a specialized sports-oriented education curriculum via remote learning modalities amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“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,” said NAS Executive Director Joy Reyes.
Speaking on behalf of BCDA President and CEO Vince Dizon, BCDA Senior Vice President Engr. Joshua Bingcang said the unveiling of the ceremonial marker and architectural renders not only gives a glimpse of NAS’ innovative and sustainable design features, but casts a vision for our country’s sports program and our young, deserving scholar athletes.
“We want the student athletes, their families, the sports community, and the entire nation to know that we are united in helping them reach their dreams despite the pandemic and any challenges,” said Bingcang.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture, said: “Sa pamamagitan ng sports academy na ito, pagkakalooban natin ang mga student-athlete scholars ng kinakailangan nilang suporta hindi lamang sa dekalidad na edukasyon kundi maging sa paghubog ng susunod na henerasyon ng mga atletang magbibigay ng karangalan sa bansa.”
“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. However, these did not stop them in their resolute determination to realize the ultimate goal of nurturing exceptional Filipino student-athletes,” said DepEd Undersecretary for Field Operations Revsee Escobedo.