MANILA, Philippines — As one of the lawmakers pushing for the creation of a Philippine High School for Sports in New Clark City, Senator Gatchalian recently stated that the sports facilities inside the new metropolis won’t go to waste even after the Philippines’ hosts the 30th South East Asian (SEA) Games this year.

“These SEA Games facilities complement our proposed high school and facilities for young and promising athletes. Hindi ito masasayang dahil pakikinabangan ito ng ating mga manlalaro,” Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture, reiterated.

Senator Gatchalian is a co-author and sponsor of Senate Bill 1086 or the Philippine High School for Sports Act of 2019, which seeks to establish a Philippine High School for Sports (PHSS) that will develop athletic skills through physical education and sports development subjects. The proposed school will provide promising students with quality secondary education while they prepare for a sports-related career.

Gatchalian emphasized that the modern sports facilities in New Clark City will provide the much-needed training ground for national athletes as they compete in international sports events such as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

“Our athletes don’t become world-class performers overnight. Through this high school for sports and the sports hub that will be available for its students, potential athletes will receive government and community support at the earliest possible stage,” Gatchalian pointed out.

Under the proposed bill, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) will be in charge of providing land and the construction of classrooms, dormitories, sports facilities, and other related amenities.

“We are grateful for lawmakers such as Senator Gatchalian who firmly believes in government projects that are people-focused and allow Filipinos to reach their full potential. The New Clark City sports complex is the best example for that. The Duterte government didn’t build the sports facilities for SEA Games alone; the facilities are part of the whole vision for the city to be smart, sustainable, and inclusive for all,” BCDA President and CEO Vince Dizon said. (LO/IAMIGO/CNS)