The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday underscored the importance of investing in sports to uphold the well-being and discipline among the Filipino youth.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara made the remark after he joined President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during the comprehensive inspection of the state-of-the-art National Academy of Sports (NAS) facilities in New Clark City in Tarlac province.
In a statement, the education chief stressed the support of the Marcos administration to the country’s student athletes.
“Higit sa pag-uwi ng mga medalya, ang pamumuhunan sa sports ay pamumuhunan din sa well-being, disiplina, at positibong paggabay sa ating mga kabataan (More than the medals they bring home, investment in sports is also an investment in the well-being, discipline, and positive guidance to our youth),” Angara said.
Under the NAS program, learner-athletes are provided with a holistic support system, including 24/7 care, dormitory housing, full daily meals and snacks, as well as strength and conditioning support.
They also receive a monthly personal allowance of PHP3,000.
At least 174 dedicated personnel form the NAS workforce, including program heads and specialized coaches, with the aim to nurture and develop world-class student-athletes.
“Dito nahuhubog ang kanilang katatagan at pagkakaisa, na malaki ang maitutulong sa ating layunin na patuloy na patatagin ang ligtas at mapagkalingang mga paaralan (This is where their endurance and unity are molded, which are significant support in our goal to continuously strengthen our safe and nurturing schools),” Angara said.
NAS Executive Director Francis Carlos Diaz, meanwhile, expressed his gratitude for the presidential visit, citing its immense motivational value for the team.
“It is a big honor and privilege for our student-athletes to have a chance to meet His Excellency, President Ferdinand Marcos (Jr.),” he said.
In particular, Marcos and Angara visited the fully operational Phase 1 buildings, including the Academic and Administration Building and Multi-Sports Gymnasium.
They also inspected the 98-percent complete Phase 2 developments, featuring a modern Gymnastics Hall, a Sports Performance Building, and comprehensive staff and student residences.
“Magiging malaking inspirasyon ang kanyang pagbisita para patuloy pa na husayan ng aming mga estudyante sa NAS ang kasanayan sa kani-kanilang mga sport discipline at sa kanilang responsibilidad bilang mga mag-aaral (His visit will be a huge inspiration for our NAS learners to further improve their skills in each of their sports disciplines and responsibilities as learners),” Diaz added.
During the 2026 Palarong Pambansa, the academy hauled 26 medals, including 10 gold, 5 silver, and 11 bronze.
In 2025, NAS athletes even secured 1,029 medals in national and international competitions. (PNA)
