MILO® Champ Moves Program for 6M School Kids
Starting this month, a significant initiative called ‘MILO Champ Moves’ is set to engage six million children across the Philippines in a sports-inspired dance routine and promote the concept of a "breakfast of champions." Launched by Nestle Philippines in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd), this nationwide program targets elementary students in approximately 10,000 schools, aiming to instill the values of an active and healthy lifestyle among children aged 7 to 12. The program is designed to run from July until the end of the year.
MILO Champ Moves is an extension of a previous initiative called ‘One Child, One Sport,’ which was introduced last year. This earlier program encouraged Filipino children to participate in physical activities each morning before the flag ceremony. The new program builds on this foundation by incorporating a three-minute exercise routine that mimics various sports movements, which students will perform every morning. This routine is not only intended to energize the children for the day ahead but also to emphasize the importance of physical activity in their daily lives.
In addition to the physical exercise component, the program will provide teachers with nutrition modules that stress the significance of a healthy breakfast. These modules aim to educate both teachers and students about how proper nutrition can enhance academic performance and support physical activities. Sherilla Bayona, a business executive manager at Nestle Philippines, highlighted that this initiative is part of a broader effort to promote health and fitness among Filipino youth.
DepEd Assistant Secretary Tonisito Umali acknowledged the need for more physical education in schools, noting that students currently receive only 50 to 60 minutes of physical education per week. He expressed gratitude for the partnership with MILO, emphasizing the importance of creative and innovative programs like Champ Moves in encouraging students to stay fit and active.
Bayona expressed optimism about the potential impact of the program, citing feedback from school principals who have observed positive changes in students' behavior. According to her, children participating in the program have shown increased alertness and improved academic performance throughout the day.
The launch event featured UAAP MVP Kiefer Ravena from the Ateneo Blue Eagles, who demonstrated the dance moves and interacted with students, taking selfies and signing autographs. Ravena praised the campaign, stating that it effectively engages the youth in adopting healthier lifestyles. He emphasized the importance of education regarding nutrition, particularly for young athletes, noting that understanding proper dietary habits is crucial for their development and discipline.
Overall, MILO Champ Moves represents a comprehensive approach to promoting physical fitness and nutrition among Filipino children. By integrating exercise into the school day and providing educational resources on healthy eating, the program aims to foster a generation of active, health-conscious individuals who are better equipped to excel both academically and physically.
AUTHOR: Rhoel V Fernandez
SOURCE: https://www.spin.ph/life/guide/milo-deped-champ-moves-to-benefit-6-million-school-children-nationwide-kiefer-ravena