Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 11) – The Senate ratified on Monday the bicameral conference committee report on the National Academy of Sports (NAS) bill, as it is now one step closer to becoming a law.
Senators approved the consolidated version of Senate Bill No. 1086 and House Bill No. 6312, which seeks to establish the country’s first NAS at the New Clark City Sports Complex in Capas, Tarlac.
The NAS is envisioned to institutionalize a specialized educational framework for secondary level students who have demonstrated a potential to excel in sports by providing world-class sports facilities for training while continuing their high school education.
The NAS will be attached to the Department of Education, in close coordination with the Philippine Sports Commission.
The ratified NAS bill also mandates to establish regional high schools for sports that are funded by the national government.
Senator Bong Go, one of the bill’s principal authors in the Senate, believes the NAS is vital in developing the country’s national sports sector.
“I firmly believe that with this measure, we will be able to catch up with the rest of the world in terms of sports development,” said Go.
Senator Win Gatchalian, chairperson of the Senate committee on basic education, arts, and culture and head of the bicameral conference committee for the NAS bill, noted that athletes must be supported at an early level to further hone their athletic abilities and skills.
“Through the National Academy of Sports, we are institutionalizing mechanisms, fundamentals, and government support to instill excellence among our athletes, who are a source of both national pride and unity for our country. We want to support aspiring athletes at the earliest possible opportunities so we would look for those who have the potential and train them in world-class facilities,” said Gatchalian.
Aside from Go, Senators Sonny Angara and Pia Cayetano are the co-authors of the NAS bill.
During his State of the Nation Address last year, President Rodrigo Duterte expressed his support to pass the NAS bill as it languished in both legislative chambers for a decade now.
“For our national sports development, I support the proposed measure to create the National Academy of Sports for high school students,” said Duterte.
Last year, the country took a significant leap in sports after winning the overall championship of the 30th Southeast Asian Games held at home from November 30 to December 11.
Team Philippines bagged 149 golds, 117 silvers, and 121 bronzes in the biennial sporting competition in the Southeast Asian region.
