Ang Pahayagan

NEW CLARK CITY– Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah “Mina” F. Pangandaman announced plans to build a Student-Athletes’ Dormitory with a Dining Hall at the National Academy of Sports (NAS) during its 5th anniversary celebration.

“Five years ago, the National Academy of Sports began as a bold vision—a dream of a government that believed in the Filipino athlete. To keep raising the bar for NAS, we’ve released ₱50 million as of December last year to upgrade its facilities and amenities,” Pangandaman said.

“In adherence to the directive of President Bongbong Marcos to provide all the support needed by our student athletes, I am happy to announce that very soon, we will also establish a Student-Athletes’ Dormitory with Dining Hall here at the NAS. Malaking bagay po ito sa ating mga atleta. This facility is a major investment in the future of our youth and national athletes,” she added.

The planned Student-Athletes’ Dormitory with Dining Hall at NAS will accommodate up to 400 student-athletes in quad-sharing rooms with dedicated male and female wings. It will feature essential amenities including a dining hall, kitchen, recreational rooms, laundry area, and administrative offices—creating a safe, comfortable, and supportive home for young athletes in New Clark City.

“Our President fully supports programs that hone the skills and bring out the best in every Filipino athlete — this includes our efforts in improving NAS,” Pangandaman stated.

Laying the foundation for greatness

“We’re not just giving them a roof over their heads. We are giving them a real home that supports their well-being, nutrition, and performance,” the Budget Secretary explained.

The project, to be implemented in partnership with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), is set to begin procurement in August 2025 through a three-month public bidding process. Construction is slated to start in January 2026.

The announcement was made by Sec. Mina during the Student-Athletes’ Convocation at the NAS complex in New Clark City, Tarlac. The event brought together student-athletes, education and sports officials, and private sector partners to celebrate NAS’ progress and renew their support for developing the youth through sports.

For his part, Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) President and CEO Jake Bingcang said that sufficiently equipping young athletes will help shape the country’s next generation of leaders.

“I see NAS as more than just an academy, but a critical component of our broader vision for New Clark City. Its world-class academy reinforces our will to provide an environment where athletic prowess and academic achievement can flourish. By equipping our young athletes with the best possible resources and environment, we are not merely cultivating future champions; we are shaping the next generation of leaders who will contribute significantly to our society,” Bingcang explained.

Beyond the complex: Empowering student-athletes with digital tools

Part of the program was the turnover of 30 tablets and 2 smart televisions to NAS through the Pay IT Forward initiative—a collaborative effort led by iAcademy, Sparkle GMA Artist Center, RepublicAsia, and DBM.

Founded through Republic Act No. 11470 in June 2020, NAS offers full scholarships to talented young athletes, covering tuition, lodging, meals, and training gear. The school recently produced its first batch of junior high school completers and currently supports 240 student-athletes for the 2025–2026 school year.

The convocation was also attended by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, BCDA President and CEO Jake Bingcang, Philippine Military Academy Dean of Academics BGen Jose Demar Pauly, GMA7 Senior Vice-President Annette Gozon-Valdes, Sparkle GMA Artist Center First Vice President Joy Marcelo, iAcademy President Raquel Perez Wong, Special Envoy to the Kingdom of Thailand and RepublicASia CEO Bran Reluao, NAS Executive Director Josephine Joy Reyes, and other education and sports stakeholders—signaling the whole-of-society support for young athletes.

As the NAS continues to rise, Pangandaman reiterated the DBM’s full support. “You [athletes] represent who we are and what we stand for — resilience in adversity, discipline in pursuit, and excellence by design. From vision to victory, tuluy-tuloy na po ito, para sa Bagong Pilipinas,” the Budget Secretary ended.

📸 DBM