Sports shared a brief spotlight in President Duterte’s 5th State of the Nation Address on Monday, highlighting the creation of the National Academy of Sports (NAS) and the success of the country’s Southeast Asian Games hosting last year.
The President lauded the lawmakers for establishing the NAS, saying it will be a huge help for student-athletes dreaming of becoming national team members.
“I appreciate the law establishing the National Academy of Sports. We can now give our deserving student-athletes the support they need,” the Chief Executive said.
Last June, President Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11470 proposing the government-run sports academy under the Department of Education.
The NAS will provide a secondary education program with a curriculum intended to improve its students' performance in sports.
President Duterte also thanked various sports organizations and agencies for the SEAG success, where the country also won the overall championship by reaping 149 gold, 117 silver and 121 bronze medals.
“With the commitment of key members of congress, the executive department, the PHISGOC (Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee), the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee, we’re bound together with law and vision to host the 30th Southeast Asian Games,” he said.
“Our athletes prevailed,” President Duterte said. “More than that, we fostered pride, patriotism, genuine sportsmanship, and camaraderie to our Southeast Asian brothers and sisters. Indeed, we won as One.”