PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed into law a measure that establishes a “sports” high school in Bataan dedicated to the development of high school learners with considerable potential in sports.
Last August 29, the President signed Republic Act No. 12239 or the “Bataan High School for Sports Act,” which tasks the Department of Education (DepEd), in coordination with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the National Academy of Sports (NAS), to establish and supervise the operation of the school. A copy of the law was published in the Office Gazette last September 4.
The law provides that the Bataan High School for Sports shall be operated in accordance with the policies and guidelines issued by the NAS System Board of Trustees, pursuant to Republic Act No. 11470, or the National Academy of Sports Law.
The school’s initial operation will be funded by the current year’s appropriation of the Schools Division Office of Bataan, and its continued operation will receive allocation from the annual national budget.
The DepEd, in coordination with the PSC, the NAS, and the local government of the province of Bataan, shall craft the implementing rules and regulations of RA 12239 within 90 days from the effectivity of the law.
The law will take effect 15 days after its publication.
In enacting the law, the government recognized its role to promote the sustained development of young Filipinos whose skills in the field of sports shall be encouraged and honed through education and specialized training programs.
“To this end, the State shall establish, maintain, and support a complete, adequate, and integrated system of education and training to advance the athletic talents and improve the skills among the youth and promote the growth and development of young athletes nationwide,” the law read.
