A leader of the House of Representatives on Friday pushed for the passage of a measure creating a national sports academy.
Deputy Speaker and Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte said the “inspiring and exemplary” performance of the Filipino athletes who took part in the 30th Southeast Asian Games gives reason to Congress to enact a law honing champion sports men and women to energize Philippine sports development at the grassroots level.
Villafuerte said the Philippines’ 149 gold medals, out of the total 387 it hauled during the nearly two-week SEAG, proved that with proper support and training of athletes at a young age, the country can eventually produce Olympic champions.
House Bill Nos. 2545 and 5480 both call for creation of a National Academy of Sports to be located at the New Clark City.
The two bills were authored by Villafuerte and House Majority Leader, and several lawmakers led by Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, respectively.
The NCC in Central Luzon has an Aquatics Center, Track and Field oval and Athletes’ Village, among other world-class sports facilities.
Villafuerte said New Clark City is the ideal site for the sports academy, as it is fully equipped to hone both the academic and athletic skills of students with exceptional talent in sports.
In filing HB 2545, Villafuerte said his proposed National Academy of Sports for High School aims to be a “premier training center” that will offer on a full or partial scholarship basis, a secondary education with special emphasis on developing the athletic skills of the students through subjects pertaining to physical education and sports development.
HB 5480 has the same goal.
Villafuerte said that while Republic Act (RA) No. 6847 created the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to support our athletes and allow them the opportunity to be outstanding in and out of the country, “grassroots sports development remains lacking and talents are still underdeveloped and unrecognized.”
“As the enthusiasm for sports is seen to grow, it is important the we ensure that our athletes are given adequate means for opportunities and that their potential is recognized,” Villafuerte said. “Even the President pointed out that sports play an important role in encourage a healthy lifestyle and instilling essential characteristics.
Under Villafuerte’s proposal, the NASHS will be attached to the Department of Education (DepEd) and is tasked to coordinate with the PSC in formulating and implementing policies on subjects pertaining to sports.
The NASHS will be governed by a Board of Trustees chaired by the DepEd Secretary, with the PSC chairperson as vice chair. The Board members include the Director of the NASHS; one representative each from the House of Representatives and the Senate; and four representatives from accredited national sports associations to be nominated by the different sports associations and appointed by the Chairperson of the Board, provided that there should always be a representative from track and field and aquatic sports.
Aside from accepting scholars, the NASHS may agree to accept paying students based on criteria established by the Board.