By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Tuesday underscored the importance of investing in sports development, saying it promotes student well-being, instills discipline, and helps build safer and more nurturing school environments across the country.
The two officials made the remarks during an inspection of the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City, Tarlac, where they toured the institution’s modern academic and athletic facilities that cater to the country’s most promising young athletes.
Marcos said the government remains committed to providing world-class sports infrastructure that will enable Filipino student-athletes to compete globally while receiving quality education.
Angara described the National Academy of Sports as a model institution that combines academic excellence with elite athletic training.
“We are immensely proud to see how this institution has grown into a premier hub that bridges elite athletic training and quality academic education for our youth. Under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., we will continue to improve these facilities to produce champions who are not only globally competitive but also resilient individuals,” Angara said.
The Education chief stressed that government investment in sports extends far beyond winning medals.
“Investing in sports is also an investment in the well-being, discipline, and positive guidance of our youth. It is where resilience, teamwork, and unity are developed—qualities that strengthen our efforts to build safe and caring schools,” he said.
National Academy of Sports Executive Director Associate Professor Francis Carlos Diaz welcomed the President’s visit, saying it would inspire student-athletes to excel both in sports and academics.
Diaz said Marcos’ continued support reflects the administration’s commitment to strengthening Philippine sports development and motivating the country’s future national athletes.
During the inspection, the President visited the academy’s fully operational Phase 1 facilities, including the Academic and Administration Building and the Multi-Sports Gymnasium. He also toured the nearly completed Phase 2 expansion, which features a Gymnastics Hall, Sports Performance Building, and residential facilities for students and staff.
For School Year 2026–2027, the academy is training 246 student-athletes competing in seven priority sports—aquatics, athletics, badminton, gymnastics, judo, table tennis, and taekwondo.
Angara, one of the principal authors of Republic Act No. 11470, or the National Academy of Sports Act of 2020, said the President was pleased that Filipino athletes now have a dedicated training complex instead of relying on shared public facilities.
The National Academy of Sports provides student-athletes with dormitory accommodations, daily meals, academic instruction, strength and conditioning programs, medical support, and a P3,000 monthly allowance.
The academy is supported by 174 faculty members, coaches, and administrative personnel.
The investment has already translated into strong results, with NAS athletes winning 1,029 medals in national and international competitions in 2025.
Most recently, the academy captured 26 medals at the 2026 Palarong Pambansa—including 10 gold, five silver, and 11 bronze medals—highlighting the continued growth of its sports development program.
The Department of Education said it remains committed to developing world-class Filipino athletes while molding future leaders through a balanced program of education, discipline, and athletic excellence.
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