Marcos pushes world-class sports education for future Filipino champions

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday inspected the National Academy of Sports (NAS) facilities at the New Clark City Sports Complex in Capas, Tarlac, to support Filipino student-athletes through world-class training venues and academic infrastructure.

Accompanied by Education Secretary Sonny Angara, Marcos interacted with young athletes from different sports during the inspection.

“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,” Angara said.

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“Under the leadership of President Marcos, we will continue to enhance these spaces to produce champions who will proudly represent the Philippines on the global stage,” he added.

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The NAS was established under Republic Act No. 11470, signed in 2020, to institutionalize a premier educational and athletic pathway for gifted young Filipinos.

READ: NAS uses Alex Eala stint at Rafa Academy as blueprint

According to the Department of Education (DepEd), Marcos’ visit highlighted the administration’s push to modernize grassroots sports infrastructure and showcased how the NAS’ holistic support system has produced champion-caliber results.

Data from DepEd showed that the facility subsidizes 246 elite student-athletes for School Year 2026–2027, with seven core sports: aquatics, athletics, badminton, gymnastics, judo, table tennis, and taekwondo.

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During the tour, the officials inspected the fully operational Phase 1 buildings, which include the Academic and Administration Building and a fully equipped Multi-Sports Gymnasium.

They also reviewed Phase 2 developments, which are 98 percent complete and feature a modern Gymnastics Hall, a Sports Performance Building, and staff and student residences.

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“The president noted that our athletes now have a dedicated space to train, unlike before when they had to share public facilities. It is important to show the public that we have the infrastructure to help our student-athletes hone their skills,” Angara said.

READ: World-class training hub eyed for PH athletes in New Clark City

For School Year 2026–2027, the academy is prepared to support 246 student-athletes specializing in seven foundational sports: aquatics, athletics, badminton, gymnastics, judo, table tennis, and taekwondo.

The NAS program offers a holistic support system, providing learners with 24/7 care, dormitory housing, daily meals and snacks, strength and conditioning support, and a monthly personal allowance of P3,000.

The NAS workforce includes 174 personnel, including full-time faculty, program heads, and specialized coaches.

This investment has already yielded results, with NAS athletes securing 1,029 medals in national and international competitions in 2025.

Most recently, the academy won 26 medals—10 gold, five silver, and 11 bronze—at the 2026 Palarong Pambansa, demonstrating the rapid growth and elite standard of its sports program.

“More than bringing home medals, investing in sports is also an investment in the well-being, discipline, and positive development of our youth,” Angara said.

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“It is through sports that their resilience and sense of unity are nurtured, which will greatly contribute to our goal of continuously strengthening safe and caring schools,” he added. /mcm