At a school that demands both academic excellence and athletic development, it’s no wonder student-athletes feel the daily pressure to succeed. They have to strike a balance between these two worlds and manage both at the same time.
Exemplary athletes from across the country are scouted and offered scholarships at the National Academy of Sports (NAS), where students are already recognized as national athletes at such a young age. When the time comes, they are expected to represent the country in international competitions— with the ultimate goal of reaching the Olympics.
With both the academic and athletic worlds in their young hands, and living far from their families for 197 days each school year, they need all the support they can get. To share this commitment between NAS teachers and coaches, Pay IT Forward takes another step in its mission to close the digital gap at New Clark City, Tarlac. The Republicasia team visited the academy to donate digital tools to the student-athletes, supporting the academy’s implementation of flexible learning.
Giving the best of both worlds
With the establishment of the National Academy of Sports through Republic Act 11470, student-athletes undergo an enhanced secondary education program with a specialized curriculum in sports. “ The goal of NAS, aside from offering this world-class facility, we really have to deliver instructions through flexible learning delivery.” NAS Deputy Chief Rea Mendoza Lingat shared with us.
Under this enhanced program, designated teachers will lead the academic subjects, while professional coaches will oversee the student-athletes’ training. This setup ensures the proper delivery of both education and athletic development for each student-athlete.
A unified culture
The Student-Athletes’ Convocation last June 19 assembled the student-athletes, teachers, coaches, and partners to reflect on and celebrate the establishment of the academy and its shared values with its scholars.
Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian was in attendance and delivered an inspirational speech for the student-athletes. He mentioned that the academy is not only a school that features the best athletes but also a place that will produce bar top notchers, scientists, and innovators.
“Naniniwala kami na ang National Academy of Sports, dapat balance. Ang pagbibigay ng sanay sa sports, ay pagbibigay rin ng high standard of academic. Kaya ang mga estudyante dito sa eskwelahan ito ay magiging magagaling na atleta, at magiging matatalinong mga bata.” [We (the senate) believe that the National Academy of Sports can balance academic and athletic achievements. Providing training in sports as well as providing a high standard of education. The students here can be great athletes as well as intelligent young individuals].
Hon. Roger B. Masapol, Assistant Secretary for Strategic Management at the Department of Education, represented Hon. Sonny Angara, the Secretary of Education and Chairperson of the NAS Board of Trustees. Hon. Masapol reminisced about the beginnings of NAS in 2020—launched during the onset of the pandemic, weathering trials and tribulations—and now, five years later, NAS truly houses champions. The teenage student-athletes currently stay in dorms near the campus to maximize their training and academic performance.
Go the distance
Every step, every drop of sweat, every action counts, no matter how small. The Pay IT Forward partners—Hon. Bran Reluao, Special Envoy to the Kingdom of Thailand for Digital Communications and Innovation and CEO/Founder of Republicasia, together with iACADEMY President Raquel Perez Wong; Sparkle GMA Artist Center First Vice President Joy Marcelo; and GMA Network Senior Vice President Atty. Annette Gozon— shared messages to the student-athletes.
The use of the tablets may seem small in size but the power it has in their hands can emotionally connect them with their families, physically track their training, and guide them in their academic studies. It’s a long way to the finish line but their support is cheering for them all around.
