BEHIND every promising athlete lies a story marked by sacrifice, determination, and quiet hardship. For the student-athletes of the National Academy of Sports (NAS), many of whom are just entering their teenage years, these struggles are even more profound.
Separated from their families at a young age, these athletes must balance grueling training schedules with academic responsibilities — all while coping with the emotional weight of homesickness, having come from various provinces across the country.
They are more than just students managing schoolwork and daily athletic drills — they are also the country’s future contenders in the Olympics, Asian Games, and Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
Given all these challenges, these students are not merely chasing trophies — they are navigating a path that requires emotional resilience and maturity beyond their years. On top of it all, they face another pressing issue: the deepening digital divide.
Straddling Two Worlds
This digital gap has become more evident with the shift to technology-driven education. While online platforms and digital resources have revolutionized learning globally, not all students have equal access to these tools.
For many NAS scholars, the lack of personal digital devices means lagging behind in an increasingly connected learning environment. And while this is daunting enough, they are also silently battling internal challenges — the loneliness and longing for home.
Yesterday, republicasia had the privilege of getting a closer look into the lives of these determined student-athletes. Despite the homesickness and emotional struggles, they are still expected to perform with excellence — both in their academics and in their sport.
“Minsan nabo-bother po sa pagiging homesick and malayo sa parents,” Gwynn Etable, a Grade 8 taekwondo player said. “Minsan po hindi ko rin masabay ‘yung acads, cause medyo mas naiisip ko is ‘yung sports.”
Similarly, Kurt Saranillo, a Grade 9 student and member of the athletics team, expressed that at his young age, managing the responsibilities of being a student-athlete while being away from his family is a tough challenge.
“[Ang challenge ay] ‘yung pagkalayo sa pamilya. Kasi mami-miss mo sila. Tapos mahihirapan ka po na maka-focus sa sports mo pati sa academics,” the 14-year-old admitted.
Even with the understanding that these challenges could affect her overall performance, Nina Anor, a member of the athletics team, remains focused on her goal of becoming a top athlete — all while recognizing the value of completing her education.
“Maganda po na maging successful student-athlete para ma-represent po natin ‘yung Philippines,” she said. “[Pero] maganda rin po na makapagtapos tayo ng pag-aaral so that our parents will be proud of us.”
Future-Ready Philippines
“Pay It Forward: A Digital Transformation Advocacy,” spearheaded by RepublicAsia President and CEO, Hon. Bran Reluao—also the newly-appointed Special Envoy to the Kingdom of Thailand—recognizes the need for student-athletes to excel both fields.
At the center of this meaningful campaign is a simple but impactful act: the donation of 30 brand-new tablets to NAS scholars. While the gesture may seem modest in numbers, its impact is immense.
“Through Pay It Forward, through RepublicAsia, we believe that real change happens when we create meaningful opportunities, lalo na para sa ating mga kabataan,” Hon. Reluao opened his opening message.
“Today’s contribution of technology, ito pong mga tablet at TV, is not just a tool. It is an investment in our student’s learning growth and dreams. Malaking bagay po ito, because we are now in our digital age.”
“Ang access to digital tools will help ensure that every student can thrive not just academically, but also in athletics. We are not just building champions on the field. We are building empowered, connected, and future-ready Philippines,” he added.
This event was made possible through the support of republicasia’s partners: iACADEMY President Raquel Perez Wong, Sparkle GMA Artist Center First Vice President Joy Marcelo, and GMA Network Senior Vice President Atty. Annette Gozon, who shared brief messages.
“We’re very happy to see that education is given major importance by this administration. I’m very happy to be part of Pay It Forward, ‘cause we believe that the private sector can do its share in enhancing education together with the government,” she said.
Also present at the event were key public sector partners, including the Department of Education, represented by Hon. Roger Masapol, and Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.
No One Left Behind
For many student-athletes, receiving a personal learning device for the first time marks a major milestone in their education, knowing that these tablets could open doors to knowledge.
Giving them access to online learning, virtual classes, communication with family, and valuable resources that support both their academics and athletic development, from nutrition to sports psychology.
“Thank you po sa RepublicAsia na sumusuporta pa rin sa mga student-athletes, and I hope patuloy pa rin ‘yung pagsuporta ng mga tao sa amin,” Etable said.
Meanwhile, for Anor, “Maraming salamat po sa RepublicAsia, GMA, at sa mga bumubuo ng event na ito at sa pag-donate po ng mga tablets. Malaking pasasalamat ko po na isa ako sa mga napili. Gagamitin ko po ‘yung tablet para pagbutihin ang aking pag-aaral.”
As NAS continues to guide its scholars toward becoming the nation’s future sports champions, programs like Pay It Forward play a crucial role in making sure these young athletes stay equipped and included in today’s rapidly evolving digital world.
With the power of partnership, empathy, and dedication, we are helping shape a new breed of Filipino student-athletes — ones who are prepared not only to achieve victories but also to lead, inspire, and contribute meaningfully to the nation.
By providing them with access to digital tools, we’re opening doors to greater opportunities. Given that when we invest in their education and athletic growth, we invest in building a smarter, stronger Philippines.
