CLARK — The first phase of the P557.8-million National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City (NCC) — the first-ever learning center and training ground for Filipino student-athletes — is set to be completed by February 2022.
The facility will include academics and administrative buildings, and a multi-purpose gym, according to NAS Executive Joy Reyes.
During the unveiling of ceremonial marker and architectural renderings, Reyes said the 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.”
For his part, Bases Conversion and Development Authority Senior Vice President Joshua Bingcang said the structure will help boost support to Filipino 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,” Bingcang added.
Meanwhile, Tarlac Governor Susan Yap said the goal of the NAS is not merely to make champions but to promote and protect the youth’s physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being.
“More than anything, it is the discipline and teamwork which we hope to instill in our youth through sports that drives our leaders to build institutions such as the National Academy of Sports,” Yap said.
In June 2020, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act 11470, establishing NAS as an educational facility for student-athletes.
Under the law, NAS is tasked to implement a secondary education program that is integrated with a special curriculum on sports to help young Filipino athletes further develop their sporting skills.
