Marcos visits National Academy of Sports in New Clark City

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday inspected the facilities of the National Academy of Sports (NAS) at the New Clark City Sports Complex in Capas, Tarlac.

Marcos was joined by Education Secretary Sonny Angara during the visit, where they toured the academy’s academic, training, and residential facilities and met with student-athletes.

“We are immensely proud to see how this institution has grown into a premier hub that bridges elite athletic training and quality academic education for our youth. Under the leadership of President Marcos, we will continue to enhance these spaces to produce champions who will proudly represent the Philippines on the global stage,” Angara said.

National Academy of Sports Executive Director Francis Carlos Diaz said the students were honored by the President’s visit.

“Batid namin kung gaano kalaki ang pagpapahalaga at suporta na binibigay ni Pangulong Marcos para sa ating mga pambansang atleta at mga kabataang nasa larangan ng sports,” Diaz said.

(We know how much President Marcos values and supports our national athletes and young people in sports.)

The National Academy of Sports, established under Republic Act No. 11470, provides student-athletes with academic instruction alongside specialized sports training.

According to the Department of Education, the academy is serving 246 student-athletes for School Year 2026–2027 in seven sports: aquatics, athletics, badminton, gymnastics, judo, table tennis, and taekwondo.

During the inspection, Marcos toured the academy’s Phase 1 facilities, including the Academic and Administration Building and the Multi-Sports Gymnasium. He also inspected the nearly completed Phase 2 developments, which include a Gymnastics Hall, Sports Performance Building, and dormitories for students and staff.

The academy provides student-athletes with dormitory accommodation, daily meals and snacks, strength and conditioning support, and a monthly allowance of P3,000.

DepEd said the academy employs 174 personnel, including teachers, coaches, and program heads.

The NAS won 1,029 medals in national and international competitions in 2025. Most recently, it captured 26 medals, including 10 gold, five silver, and 11 bronze, during the 2026 Palarong Pambansa. —VAL, GMA News