THE NATIONAL Academy of Sports Annual Search for Competent, Exceptional, Notable, and Talented Student Athlete Scholars (NASCENT SAS) has extended its application deadline to June 16, 2023.
The scholarship is open to incoming Grade 7 and 8 Filipino student-athletes who want to pursue their sport while continuing their studies.
NAS Legal and External Affairs Division’s Albert Cabasada, who guested during the Madayaw Davao program of 87.5 FM Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) Tuesday, May 30, said qualified student-athletes enjoy a maximum stay of six years at the academy from Grades 7 to 12.
The NAS is located at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, which hosted the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in 2019.
“Sa ngayon po, ang ating mga students, hybrid po. Sa kanya-kanyang mga bahay pa po sila, baka this school year, the student-athletes will be staying there (Right now, our students are in a hybrid setup. They are still in their respective houses, maybe this school year, the student-athletes will be staying there),” Cabasada said.
He said once everything normalizes in the new school year, scholars will all stay at the dormitory with free meals, free tuition, and miscellaneous expenses.“May stipend din po sila galing sa gobyerno at iba pang mga pribiliheyo bilang isang scholar (They also have a stipend from the government and other privileges as a scholar),” Cabasada said.
He added that NAS scholars, similar to student scholars from the Philippine Science High School and the Philippine High School of the Arts, enjoy numerous benefits and privileges.
Therefore, it presents a valuable opportunity for talented student-athletes to also access this scholarship.
Cabasada added, “Our aim is for them to hopefully become members of the national team, represent the country, and contribute to nation-building.”
At NAS, scholars receive a high-quality education with sports science training and comprehensive student support services.
Moreover, the trainers and coaches at NAS are exceptionally skilled, many of whom are former athletes with a commendable record of winning gold medals in international competitions.
To be eligible, aspiring student-athletes must have actively participated in NAS focus sports, which include athletics, swimming, taekwondo, judo, table tennis, badminton, weightlifting, and rhythmic gymnastics.
He assured that the NAS budget remains stable as it was officially approved through Republic Act No. 11470 on June 9, 2020, signed into law by former President Rodrigo R. Duterte.
He emphasized that the academy’s operations will persist irrespective of the presidential administration in power.
He urged Davaoeño student-athletes to apply for NAS scholarships, especially those who have won medals in the Batang Pinoy or Palarong Pambansa.
At least an 80 percent general weighted average (GWA) for incoming Grade 7 and 8 applicants is also a must.
