Key sports bill passes 2nd reading

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives has approved on second reading a measure that will create the National Academy of Sports.

“I am confident that my colleagues will fully support this bill on its third and final reading. In this, we are going to develop athletes with a strong sense of patriotism and love of country,” Rep. Lord Allan Velasco said, referring to House Bill 4492. 

It was among several bills that were consolidated in Committee Report 232, which was passed and submitted to the Committees on Basic Education and Culture; Youth and Sports Development; Ways and Means, and Appropriations.  

The committee has recommended its approval in substitution to House Bills 303, 545, 2545, 2867, 2875, 3277, 4013, 4128, 4249, 4344, 4492 and 5480. It is now called the NAS System Act under the consolidated bill.

The consolidated bill states that NAS “shall advance and protect” the Filipinos’ “physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being by promoting physical education and encouraging sports programs.”  

Velasco explained that the aim of the NAS is to encourage league competitions and amateur sports, including training in international competitions; fostering self-discipline, teamwork, and excellence for the development of a healthy and alert citizenry. 

He said it is a way by which the government would provide adequate training for students with athletic abilities with the aim of producing world-class athletes for competitive sports with solid academic background.  

House Deputy Speaker LRay Villafuerte has also authored House Bill 2545 for the establishment of a specialized educational institution designed to hone both the academic and athletic skills of high school students with exceptional talent in this field of endeavor.  

“The goal is to educate  students who have shown their early potential of excelling in sports for a sports-related career while undergoing quality secondary education,” said Villafuerte.