In her House Bill 10286 or the proposed Digos City National High School for Sports Act, Cagas stressed that sports enhance social and cultural life by bringing together individuals and communities.

“Sports help overcome differences and encourages dialogue, and breaks down prejudice, stereotypes, cultural differences, ignorance, intolerance, and discrimination,” Cagas said in her explanatory note.

The lawmaker added that the recent victories and exceptional performance of Filipino athletes in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics despite the challenges brought about by the Covid19 pandemic are proof that Filipinos have the talent and the grit to excel in sports and represent the country in international competitions given the proper scientific approach and training.

“This representative believes that through sports, the country’s youth will rediscover traditional and universal values such as patriotism, nationalism, self-discipline, team work and hard work, camaraderie, sportsmanship and fair play, respect for law and order and the rights of others, and the continuing quest for excellence,” she added.

The measure mandates the Department of Education to administer the Digos City National High School for Sports in consultation with the Philippine Sports Commission for policy and program formulation and implementation.

The Digos City National High School shall offer a secondary education to students with considerable potential in sports. 

The school’s curriculum shall have a significant emphasis on developing the athletic skills of the students through subjects pertaining to physical education in sports.