THE Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) praised both chambers of Congress for ratifying the bill that seeks the creation of the National Academy of Sports (NAS).
“It’s a welcome development,” PSC Chairman William Ramirez said. “The bill will [continue] the sports agency’s main initiative of grassroots development.”
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture, led Congress on Monday in ratifying the bill that would establish the NAS. It is expected to be signed into law by President Duterte.
Gatchalian headed the bicameral conference which reconciled differences in both chambers’ proposals to establish a sports academy that will institutionalize an educational system within the framework of a national sustainable sports program.
“Anything that supports the development of sports in the country is a great boost to the country’s efforts to build a deeper grassroots sports program which feeds our elite sports program,” Ramirez said.
Gatchalian credited the bill’s coauthors and cosponsors, including Sens. Juan Edgardo Angara, Christopher Go and Pilar Cayetano, for pushing early approval of the remedial legislation.
The bill provides for the establishment of the academy’s main campus at the existing New Clark City Sports Complex in Capas, Tarlac, which will be constructed by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority.
“It’s like hitting two birds with one stone,” PSC Commissioner Ramon Fernandez said. “Affording our youth quality education and world-class sports training is indeed a very commendable move to say the least.”
“This will be an avenue for us to produce world-class Filipino athletes,” PSC Commissioner Celia Kiram said. “Moreover, the athletes will also be academically adept while pursuing their dreams for sports excellence.
The NAS will be attached to the Department of Education (DepEd), in close coordination with the PSC. The incumbent Secretary will be the Chairperson of the academy’s Board of Trustees. An Executive Director, as appointed by the DepEd Secretary, will head the NAS and will be responsible for the academy’s administration and operation.
The bill gives preference to an Executive Director who hails from the field of sports.
“The NAS will provide a clear direction for student athletes not only in their quest for sporting excellence but also in academic field,” PSC Commissioner Charles Maxey said. “With this high school, student athletes will be properly guided in their chosen disciplines aside from enjoying the luxury of training in a world-class facility.”
“This gives everyone in the sporting community something positive to look forward to,” PSC Commissioner Arnold Agustin said. “This move will greatly help our youth to bravely proceed to pursue their athletic dreams along with their academics.”
The NAS is tasked to implement a “quality and enhanced secondary education program” with a special curriculum on sports as provided in the program geared towards early recognition and development of talented students, especially those who have shown potential to excel in sports.
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