FILE PHOTO: President Rodrigo Duterte in his taped weekly “Talk to the People” that aired on Monday, June 6, 2022. (Photo from an RTVM video posted on Facebook)
MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has expressed hope the pioneer batch of student-athletes of the newly established National Academy of Sports (NAS) in Tarlac will bring success to the Philippines.
Duterte said he prays the student-athletes of NAS would become Olympians and champions and inspire a deep sense of patriotism among Filipinos.
He noted that the NAS is envisioned to be a world-class facility that will serve as a “forefront” in the government’s efforts to “provide a conducive environment for the academic, sports training, and character development of our young athletes.”
“It is, therefore, my hope and maybe my prayer that the pioneer batch of student-athletes become well-rounded Olympians and Champions who will carry our flag in the international sports arena and inspire a deep sense of patriotism among Filipinos,” he said in his speech after inspecting the academy’s main campus in the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, on Tuesday.
READ: Duterte signs law establishing National Academy of Sports
Duterte mentioned the victory of Filipina weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz during the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, highlighting how she was able to “beat the odds and paved the way for more aspiring athletes who will fight and win for medals.”
He also said that the Olympic gold medalist’s feat encouraged Filipinos, especially the youth, to appreciate the many talented athletes “who are making waves in international sports.”
“It is thus an [opportune] time for me to help them maximize their potential with constant comprehensive projects and activities that promote the welfare and development of our athletes,” Duterte said.
The outgoing President urged the government to continue working to “sustain the present golden era of sports” even after he steps down on June 30.
“Let [us] continue to work with one another to sustain our present golden era of sports – even beyond my term – keeping in mind that the legacy we are building will not be ours alone but also for the succeeding generations to come,” he said.
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