DBM, BCDA eye student athletes’ dormitory at New Clark City

New Clark City — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) are collaborating to construct a student-athletes’ dormitory and dining hall at the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City, Tarlac.

The project is part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s commitment to developing world-class Filipino athletes, and the announcement was made by Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman during the NAS’ fifth-anniversary convocation.

“Five years ago, the National Academy of Sports began as a bold vision — a dream of a government that believed in the Filipino athlete,” Pangandaman said. “To keep raising the bar for NAS, we’ve released P50 million as of December last year to upgrade its facilities and amenities.”

The new facility will accommodate up to 400 student-athletes in quad-sharing rooms, featuring dedicated male and female wings. It will include a dining hall, kitchen, recreational rooms, laundry area and administrative offices, aiming to provide a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment for the young athletes.

“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,” Pangandaman said.

The project is slated to begin its procurement phase in August 2025 with a three-month public bidding process, and construction is expected to commence in January 2026.

Meantime, BCDA president and CEO Jake Bingcang stressed that 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,” Bingcang said. “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,” he added.

During the convocation, NAS also received 30 tablets and two smart televisions through the “Pay IT Forward” initiative, a collaborative effort by iAcademy, Sparkle GMA Artist Center, RepublicAsia and the DBM.