EMPHASIZING that young Filipino athletes possess the talent and determination to excel on the world stage, re-elected Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday assured the public that Congress will continue to allocate resources to provide the country’s aspiring sportsmen and women with the training and support they need to become champions.
This assurance comes in the wake of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the Department of Budget and Management’s (DBM) recent announcement of a ₱360-million dormitory project that will benefit 400 student-athletes at the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac. The facility is expected to be completed in 2026.
The government’s continued commitment to enhance facilities and training support for young athletes follows the historic runner-up finish of Filipino tennis star Alex Eala at the Lexus Eastbourne Open over the weekend—making her the first Filipino to reach a WTA Tour singles final.
Romualdez lauded President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for placing student-athletes’ welfare and future among the administration’s top priorities, particularly through the construction of the modern, state-of-the-art dormitory at NAS.
“Congratulations to President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr., through the BCDA and DBM, for this visionary initiative. This dormitory will serve not just as a facility, but as a home for our student-athletes to dream big and strive for gold,” Romualdez said.
“More than brick and mortar, such facilities represent the hopes of Filipino youth for a better and brighter future,” he added.
Romualdez emphasized that Congress will continue to champion legislation and budget support for sports development, especially for programs aimed at nurturing promising athletes in public institutions like NAS.
“Our student-athletes have the natural talent for sports. With sufficient government support, they have what it takes to bring honor to our country. It is our duty as lawmakers to ensure that their talent, grit, and determination are not wasted but rather nurtured and developed,” he said.
“I commit to reviewing the national budget to ensure these facilities receive the necessary legislative backing—from sufficient funding to sustainable operations,” he added.
He further stressed the need for government to invest in a long-term athlete development pipeline that includes quality training, nutrition, and academic support.
