Republic of the Philippines  
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City  
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session  
HOUSE BILL NO. _________ 
Introduced by Representative Mercedes “Didi” C. Cagas 
AN ACT  
ESTABLISHING THE DIGOS CITY NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL FOR SPORTS IN 
DIGOS CITY, PROVINCE OF DAVAO DEL SUR, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Section 17, Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that “The State shall 
give priority to education, science and technology, arts, culture, and sports to foster patriotism 
and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and 
development.”  
According to the council of Europe, sports enhances social and cultural life by bringing 
together individuals and communities.  Sports help overcome differences and encourages 
dialogue, and breaks down prejudice, stereotypes, cultural differences, ignorance, intolerance, 
and discrimination.     
Likewise, the United Nations’ Inter-Agency Task Force on Sport for Development and 
Peace also recognizes that “sports at all levels, from play and physical activity to elite and 
competitive sport, are a powerful and cost-effective way to advance the Millennium 
Development Goals (MDGs)”. 
The recent victories and exceptional performance of Filipino athletes in the 2020 Tokyo 
Olympics despite the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic is proof that 
Filipinos have the talent and the grit to excel in sports and represent the country in international 
competitions given the proper scientific approach and training.   
This representation believes that through sports, the country’s youth will rediscover 
traditional and universal values such as patriotism, nationalism, self-discipline, team work and 
hard work, camaraderie, sportsmanship and fair play, respect for law and order and the rights 
of others, and the continuing quest for excellence.  
It is for the foregoing reason that the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
MERCEDES “DIDI” C. CAGAS 
September 27, 2021
10:36 am
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Republic of the Philippines  
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City  
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session  
HOUSE BILL NO. _________ 
Introduced by Representative Mercedes “Didi” C. Cagas 
AN ACT  
ESTABLISHING THE DIGOS CITY NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL FOR SPORTS IN 
DIGOS CITY, PROVINCE OF DAVAO DEL SUR, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:  
SECTION 1. Short Title. -  This Act shall be known as the “Digos City National High School 
for Sports Act.”  
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. -  The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-
building.  To this end, it shall advance and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, 
and social well-being through the promotion of physical education and sports programs, league 
competitions, and amateur sports, including training in international competitions; foster self-
discipline, teamwork, and excellence for the development of a healthy and alert citizenry; and 
develop athletes with a strong sense of patriotism and love of country.  It shall likewise provide 
appropriate sports training and academic preparation to promote the holistic development of 
students with athletic abilities, instill in them strong patriotic ideals and prepare them for 
careers in sports.  
SEC. 3. Establishment of the Digos City National High School for Sports. -  The Digos City 
National High School for Sports is hereby established to develop the athletic skills and talents 
of high school students in Digos City, Davao Del Sur and its environs.  
The Digos City National High School for Sports shall be administered by the 
Department of Education (DepEd), in consultation with the Philippine Sports Commission 
(PSC), for policy and program formulation and implementation.  
 SEC. 4. Purpose. -  The Digos City National High School for Sports shall offer a secondary 
education to students with considerable potential in sports.  The school’s curriculum shall have 
a significant emphasis on developing the athletic skills of  the students through subjects 
pertaining to physical education in sports. 
SEC. 5. Powers and Functions. -  The Digos City National High School for Sports shall 
exercise the following powers and functions: 
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a) Formulate and implement policies, plans, and programs that shall promote the 
development and harness the potential of high school students;  
b) Provide an integrated framework to optimize the potential of its students;  
c) Establish sports programs and facilities that shall be accessible to students; 
d) Promote strategic partnerships and alliances between and among local and international 
sports organizations and educational training institutions to enhance the 
competitiveness of students and personnel;  
e) Develop plans and programs that shall enhance the career advancement opportunities 
of school personnel;  
f) Establish guidelines for public-private partnerships in the implementation of sports 
programs of the school; and  
g) Perform such other functions as may be required to implement the objectives of this 
Act.  
SEC. 6. School Director. -  The Digos City National High School for Sports shall be headed 
by a School Director who shall be responsible for the administration and operation of the 
school.  
 
The School Director shall be assisted by an Assistant Director for Internal Affairs and 
an Assistant Director for External Affairs.  
 SEC. 7. Sectoral and Industry Task Forces. -  The Digos City National High School for Sports 
may create sectoral and industry task forces, technical working groups, advisory bodies or 
committees for the furtherance of its objectives.  
 
The members of the sectoral and industry task forces may come from the agencies of 
the national government, government-owned and -controlled corporations, local government 
units, the academe, civil society organizations, sports organizations, and sports-related 
industrial organizations.  The manner of selection of such members shall be provided under the 
Implementing Rules and Regulations to be formulated to implement the provisions of this Act. 
SEC. 8. Appropriations. -  The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act shall be 
included in the budget of the DepEd in the annual General Appropriations Act.  
SEC. 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. -  Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of 
this Act, the DepEd, in coordination with the PSC and other concerned agencies of the 
government, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective 
implementation of this Act.  
SEC. 10. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this shall be held unconstitutional or 
invalid, the other provisions not otherwise affected shall remain in full force and effect. 
SEC. 11. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations, rules and 
regulations, and other issuances, or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of 
this Act, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
SEC. 12. Effectivity Clause. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its complete 
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.   
 
Approved,