The Department of Education (DepEd) formally welcomed the officials of the newly-established National Academy of Sports (NAS), which is set to admit its first batch of learners by August 2021.
Created through Republic Act No. 11470, the NAS is an attached institution of DepEd, in close coordination with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), which aims to develop more future world-class Filipino athletes and increase youth interest in sports.
The NAS envisions itself at the forefront of global sports development and education, producing well-rounded student-athletes equipped with the ability and passion to become sources of national pride.
Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones, who is also the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the academy, administered the oath-taking of NAS Executive Director Josephine Joy Reyes, Deputy Executive Director Emil Arroyo, and System Registrar and Board Secretary Mary Grace Ramoy. Also, Mr. Patrick Gregorio took his oath as a member of the NAS Board of Trustees representing the private sector.
Secretary Briones expressed her excitement over the inauguration of the NAS, citing the need for a specialized institution that will develop the skills and character of promising student-athletes.
“Ang mga bata natin, ang mga learners natin na talagang may interest sa sports, hindi lamang [ito] isang phase sa buhay nila, kundi sports as a science and sports as an art. At saka, yung eventual participation natin sa regional at saka sa mga global sports event. Dito sila tuturuan sa ating National Academy of Sports at for those who are into sports, this is a very attractive proposition,” Sec. Briones shared.
The virtual oath-taking ceremony was witnessed by Officer-In-Charge Assistant Secretary for the National Academy of Sports and Field Operations Malcolm Garma, the family members of the officials, and members of the NAS Management Committee.
Meanwhile, NAS is currently conducting a logo and hymn-making contest in preparation for its inaugural school year.
For guidelines and important updates, the public may check NAS System’s official social media accounts at www.facebook.com/nassystemph, www.twitter.com/nassystemph, and www.instagram.com/nassystemph.
