BCDA launches grassroots sports program for youths near New Clark City

MANILA — The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has launched a community sports initiative aimed at expanding access to New Clark City’s sports facilities for young people from neighboring communities as part of its corporate social responsibility program.

The initiative, called Youth Rising, officially opened with a sports clinic on July 4 at the National Academy of Sports in New Clark City, where nearly 100 participants aged 12 to 17 from the municipalities of Bamban and Capas in Tarlac took part in basketball and volleyball training.

According to a BCDA statement, the clinic was conducted by Philippine Navy soldier-athletes and included skills training, drills and practice games.

BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Jake Bingcang said the program reflects the agency’s goal of making New Clark City’s sports facilities accessible beyond elite competitions.

“These facilities are not just for elite competitions but are spaces for all youths where they can experience the transformative power of sports and build their dreams,” Bingcang said in the statement.

He said BCDA hopes the initiative will encourage more young Filipinos to discover opportunities in sports while reinforcing the development of New Clark City as an inclusive community.

Officer-in-Charge Senior Vice President for Conversion and Development Mark Torres said the program aims to provide young people with opportunities to learn, stay active and develop confidence through sports.

“Ang layunin ng Youth Rising ay simple, ito ay bigyan ang ating mga kabataan ng isang positibong espasyo upang matuto, maging aktibo, magkaroon ng mga bagong kaibigan, at matuklasan ang kanilang potensyal sa pamamagitan ng sports,” Torres said. (“The goal of Youth Rising is simple: to provide our young people with a positive space where they can learn, stay active, make new friends and discover their potential through sports.”)

Torres said sports can help build character and strengthen communities, encouraging participants to work hard and pursue their goals.

BCDA said medical and safety personnel from the Philippine General Hospital, Camp O’Donnell Military Treatment Facility, Manila Water Foundation and the agency supported the activity.

The authority said Youth Rising forms part of its broader corporate social responsibility initiatives and aligns with the Marcos administration’s efforts to promote grassroots sports development by expanding access to sports and recreational facilities.

BCDA said the July 4 clinic is the first in a planned series of community-based activities under the Youth Rising campaign.

New Clark City, developed as a smart, green and disaster-resilient township, has hosted national and international sporting events, including this year’s Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, BCDA said.