NEW CLARK CITY, Tarlac — The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) recently teamed up with the Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU) and the national rugby team, the Philippine Volcanoes, to inspire young members of the communities in Tarlac by hosting a rugby clinic in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac.
Themed “Empowering Youths, Celebrating Heritage,” the activity gathered around 30 youths from Sitio Tilik and Sitio Telapilun, Brgy. San Roque in Bamban, and Brgy. Sta. Lucia in Capas in a rugby clinic held at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium. Teaching them are members of the Philippine Volcanoes who excitedly introduced rugby as a sport through group activities that inspired the young to embrace an active lifestyle and appreciate the values of teamwork, discipline, and resilience.
The initiative marked the second time BCDA has partnered with the rugby national team, reinforcing its commitment to grassroots sports and youth development.
In welcoming partners and guests, 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 Philippines at 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 said.
PRFU President Ada Milby said 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 also introduced the players to its community development initiatives, particularly the Ayta Ethno Botanical Center (AEBC) in New Clark City. Delivering a lecture on community empowerment and culture integration is AEBC Project Manager and University of the Philippines Professor Florencia Charito Imperial-Sebastian, PhD. Through the AEBC, BCDA, with the Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU), and the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 3, continues to empower indigenous communities with sustainable farming practices and long-term livelihood prospects.
The collaboration 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 was held on September 13, 2025, while the Volcanoes were in training at New Clark City in preparation for the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series, a sporting event where the top eight rugby clubs in Asia compete.
Currently the Women’s Volcanoes ranked 11th in Asia following its win against Indonesia at the Hangzhou Normal University in China. Meanwhile, the Men’s Volcanoes ranked 12 after bowing to Thailand in their final match. The next leg of the series in Sri Lanka on October 18–19, 2025. Our national team is also gearing up for the Southeast Asian Games this December in Thailand, where the Volcanoes will defend their gold and silver medals in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively.
