The Department of Education is working to engage youth in sports activities as a way to redirect their energy and reduce online exposure amid rising school-related violence. According to the Education chief, this approach can help students develop positive routines and improve their physical fitness and well-being.
Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara emphasized the importance of channeling youth energy into positive activities, stating that physical activity is better than spending time playing computer games. He noted that the department has ordered all public schools to revive the School Sports Club (SSC) to improve students' physical fitness and well-being.
The revival of SSC has led to the establishment of 100 new sports clubs and facilities through the office of the President and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). The National Academy for Sports (NAS), an attached agency of the DepEd, is also playing a key role in championing positive youth development alongside elite athletic excellence.
NAS currently supports 246 student-athletes across seven foundational sports, including aquatics, athletics, badminton, gymnastics, judo, table tennis, and taekwondo. The academy provides students with 24/7 care, dormitory housing, full daily meals and snacks, strength and conditioning support, and a monthly allowance of P3,000.
Students at the academy have achieved significant success, winning 1,029 medals in national and international competitions in 2025 and 26 medals in the recent Palarong Pambansa. A regional NAS campus in the Visayas or Mindanao is expected to rise within the next five years to support students' sports development further.
The Education chief highlighted the role of the President's message in promoting the use of potential and avoiding waste. He stated that the President's message is the same as the department's goal of using sports to develop positive youth and improve their well-being.
The Department of Education is committed to strengthening its sports clubs and providing students with access to quality sports facilities and training programs. The NAS is a key partner in this effort, providing students with the support and resources they need to achieve their full potential.
