THE DEPARTMENT of Education has congratulated the Grade 10 completers of the first batch from the National Academy of Sports (NAS).

In a message delivered on behalf of Education Secretary and NAS Board Chairperson Sonny Angara, Usec. Malcolm Garma commended the students for embodying the unique promise of NAS.

“You have shown the nation that excellence in academics and sports is not a trade-off but a powerful combination,” the message read.

“Today, you crossed your first finish line. But the race is far from over. And the world is watching.”

Present during the ceremony were Senator Pia Cayetano, Usec. Garma, Mr. Richard E. Bachmann — Vice Chairperson of the NAS Board of Trustees — and representatives of Senators Win Gatchalian and Bong Go. They all celebrated the academic and athletic achievements of the pioneer batch of student-athletes.

NAS is a government-run institution and an attached agency of DepEd, offering a secondary education program with a specialized curriculum designed for student-athletes.

Its establishment forms part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen grassroots sports development in the country.

According to DepEd, this initiative aligns with the vision of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for a Bagong Pilipinas, which includes robust support for grassroots sports development.