National Academy of Sports gets Senate nod

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate ratified the bicameral conference committee report to establish the National Academy of Sports (NAS) meant to provide a significant boost to the development of sports in the country and world-class Filipino athletes.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture, said the NAS will be implementing a quality and enhanced secondary education program, with a special curriculum on sports.

Gatchalian, who headed the bicameral conference which reconciled differences in both chambers’ proposals, lauded the ratification of NAS bicam report.

Following Congress’ ratification of a bicameral conference committee report to establish the NAS, Gatchalian said this means a significant boost for sports in the country.

He said the bicam agreement seeks the creation and establishment of NAS, which will institutionalize an educational system within the framework of a national sustainable sports program.

He noted that the program will be geared towards early recognition and development of talented students, especially those who have shown potential to excel in sports. The curriculum’s design will consider the students’ training needs while providing for holistic quality education.

“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,” he said.