A new milestone in sports education has been reached in Bataan as Republic Act No. 12239, establishing the Bataan High School for Sports in Bagac, has been signed into law. The measure, authored by Bataan 3rd District Rep. Gila Garcia, was officially approved by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on August 29, 2025.

The law seeks to develop the potential of young athletes by providing a combination of general secondary education and specialized training in various sports. According to Rep. Garcia, the institution will equip students not only with academic knowledge but also with intensive sports programs that will prepare them for opportunities in both local and international competitions.

Congresswoman Garcia emphasized that the new high school aligns with President Marcos’ State of the Nation Address commitment to strengthen sports development through the creation of new programs and facilities that support Filipino athletes. She expressed her gratitude to the President for his support and approval of the measure, calling it a significant step for education and youth development in the province.

The congresswoman also extended her appreciation to Sen. Win Gatchalian, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Rep. Roman T. Romulo, chairperson of the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture, and Dr. Carol Violeta, Schools Division Superintendent of DepEd Bataan, for backing the passage of the law.

The initiative traces its roots to the 18th Congress when then Congressman now Governor Joet Garcia first proposed the measure. It was refiled by Rep. Gila Garcia in the 19th Congress as House Bill No. 9601, passed by the House of Representatives on December 12, 2023, amended by the Senate on June 9, 2025, concurred in by the House a day later, and finally enacted into law with the President’s signature.

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