Set for its inaugural school year, the National Academy of Sports (NAS) will offer full scholarships in secondary education to talented Filipino student-athletes.
Created through Republic Act No. 11470, the NAS was institutionalized to recognize and develop exceptionally talented students from all sectors, including indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups. Pursuant to the law, the NAS System is an attached institution of the DepEd, in close coordination with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
“We are having a National Academy of Sports for those who want to take up sports not only as something they do as they are growing up, but also as a profession, as a way of learning more about the science of the body. The virtues of honesty and sportsmanship will also be developed at the NAS,” Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said.
During the pilot episode of Usapang DepEd Sports Season 2, NAS Executive Director Josephine Joy Reyes gave an overview of the institution’s enhanced secondary program in sports.
“NAS will provide full scholarship upon entry at Grade 7 or in Junior High Schools up to Grade 12. They will also be given reasonable monthly stipend, free board and lodging, as well as school and training uniforms,” ED Reyes shared.
“NAS will also provide them exposure to compete internationally and represent the country in qualified sports competitions. With their athletic performance during their stay in the school system, pwede rin silang maging exchange students so their talents will be honed even more,” she added.
Moreover, the newly-established sports institution will also prioritize the academic performance of the young athletes as NAS will implement a holistic, enhanced sports curriculum.
Meanwhile, OIC-Assistant Secretary for National Academy of Sports Malcolm Garma noted that the Usapang DepEd Sports talk show aims to strengthen the involvement of learners in sports discussions. It is spearheaded by the Department’s Bureau of Learner Support Services-School Sports Division (BLSS-SSD). These discussions about various topics on sports shall help our stakeholders in understanding the programs and policies of DepEd school sports, sports science, and sports medicine, among others. (www.deped.gov.ph)
