President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (File photo)
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed two new laws establishing key institutions for youth development and healthcare in Central Luzon.
On August 29, Marcos enacted Republic Act (RA) 12239, creating the Bataan High School for Sports in Bagac, Bataan, and RA 12240, establishing the Aurora Medical Center in Baler, Aurora. The measures were published in the Official Gazette on Friday.
RA 12239 aims to nurture young athletes by integrating enhanced secondary education with intensive sports training. The school, to be supervised by the Department of Education in coordination with the Philippine Sports Commission and the National Academy of Sports, will feature a curriculum tailored to developing athletic skills alongside academic requirements. It will also forge local and international partnerships, establish modern facilities, and design career development programs for both students and staff.
Initial funding will come from Bataan’s Schools Division Office, with continuing support under the national budget. Implementing rules and regulations must be issued within 90 days.
Meanwhile, RA 12240 provides for the creation of a 200-bed Level III General Hospital in Baler. The Aurora Medical Center will operate under the Department of Health, which is tasked to include the hospital’s funding in its annual program.
These twin measures underscore the Marcos administration’s drive to invest in both sports development and accessible healthcare, bringing long-term benefits to the people of Bataan and Aurora.