Construction is underway for the P557.8-million first phase of the National Academy of Sports (NAS), a green and climate-resilient learning center and training ground for deserving Filipino scholar-athletes at New Clark City, in Capas, Tarlac.
NAS' academic and administrative buildings, as well as a multi-purpose gym, will be completed in February 2022 under Phase 1 to prepare the pioneering students of NAS once face-to-face classes resume.
The NAS, Department of Education, Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), and Philippine Sports Commission on Oct. 9, unveiled the ceremonial marker and architectural renders of the academy.
" unveiling of the ceremonial market and architectural renders not only gives a glimpse of NAS' innovative and sustainable design features, but casts a vision for our country's sports program and or young, deserving scholar-athletes," BCDA Senior Vice President Engr. Joshua Bingcang said.
"We want the student-athletes, their families, the sports community, and the entire nation to know that we are united in helping them reach their dreams despite the pandemic and any challenges," Bingcang continued.
President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Republic Act 11470 in June 2020, establishing NAS as an educational facility for student-athletes.
Under the law, NAS is tasked to implement a secondary education program that is integrated with a special curriculum on sports to help young Filipino athletes further develop their sporting skills.
After hosting the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, New Clark City was chosen as the site of NAS.
New Clark City also features the Athletics Stadium with a track certified as Class 1 by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) and an Aquatics Center certified by Federation Internationale de Natation.