Dream national academy fulfilled

Go: We will catch up in sports development

MANILA, Philippines — The creation of the National Academy of Sports (NAS) should change the landscape of Philippine sports – for the better.

Sports leaders and lawmakers described the NAS as a “game-changer,” and lauded President Duterte for signing and enacting into law Republic Act 11470 in simple ceremonies yesterday in Davao City.

“Yes, it will change the landscape and we are elated to see the hard work of our leaders in the Senate and Congress come to fruition with the law,” said Philippine Sports Commission chairman William Ramirez.

Sen. Bong Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, said the NAS could be what the doctor ordered for Philippine sports.

“I firmly believe that with this law, we will be able to catch up with the rest of the world in terms of sports development,” said Go, one of the principal authors of RA 11470.

Go assured that the NAS would benefit student-athletes and promote long-term sports development in the country.

Student-athletes, he said, will enjoy a level of training which is at par with the best in the world and at the same time be provided with quality education.

The New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, which served as main hub of the last SEA Games, provides the perfect avenue for the implementation of the NAS.

“It is about time that we establish a learning institution focused on sports. Now that we have National Academy of Sports, students will learn and train at the same time in world class facilities and school,” Go said.

The PSC is committed to the full implementation of the NAS which should boost the sports development programs in the country – both in the grassroots and elite levels.

“It will help a lot,” said Philippine Olympic Committee president and Tagaytay City Rep. Abraham Tolentino.

Once it gets going, the NAS, in partnership with the Department of Education, will provide full scholarships to students with strong potential to excel in sports, especially in the international arena.

It’s an ambitious program that is expected to bear fruit. It comes on the heels of the country winning the overall crown and successful hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games last year.

House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero lauded President Duterte for signing the measure into law after it was passed and ratified by Congress last month.

They stressed the significance of developing athletes at a young age.

“Through this measure, we hope to inspire our youth to engage in sports and subsequently allow them to develop the essential traits to usher in a new generation,” Cayetano explained.

Romero, a medalist in the last SEA Games, said the measure would not only develop national athletes but would also keep the nation’s youth from bad vices like illegal drugs.

“We thank President Duterte for prioritizing this measure and seeing the significance of building a national sports program that could bring positive transformation in the community. Sports are a potent tool to prevent young children from getting addicted to illegal drugs,” said Romero.

“As the chairman of the Committee on Sports, I would like to express my gratitude to my fellow legislators for coming together in support of this measure for the benefit of our youth and for the benefit of Philippine sports,” added Go. 

He also expressed his gratitude to government agencies for supporting the legislature and for affirming their commitment to help realize this dream for aspiring athletes.

“I also would like to thank the Philippine Sports Commission, the Department of Education, the Department of Budget and Management, and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority for their commitment that allowed us to hit the ground running once this measure is signed by President Duterte,” said Go. Cecille Suerte Felipe, Edu Punay