A HEALTHY mind in a healthy body.
This is what MILO Philippines and the Department of Education want to achieve as they team up once again to launch an online program that seeks to promote exercise as part of a daily habit for kids undergoing home-based learning.
Both MILO, the country’s No.1 sports patron, and DepEd have agreed to instill the value of exercise among the Filipino youth especially during these trying times of the coronavirus pandemic.
Called the MILO Champion Habit – P.E. at Home, the program is aimed at strengthening the P.E. curriculum with a specialized six-minute exercise program performed by well-known MILO ambassadors Japoy Lizardo and Alyssa Valdez.
“Both MILO and the DepEd want to enhance the educational experience of schoolchildren now studying at home,” said Lester P. Castillo, Vice President of Nestle Philippines, during the “Usapang Sports on Air” by the Tabloids Organization in Philippine Sports (TOPS) via Zoom yesterday.
“We always believe that active kids are better learners. That’s why we launched another program to inspire and help kids boost their lifestyles,”added Castillo.
DepEd Undersecretary Tonisito Umali underscored the importance of the country’s ongoing blended learning program.
“Napakahalaga po talaga ng partnership na ito sa Department of Education dahil misyon ng ating kagawaran ay diinan ang EduKalidad na patungkol sa pakikipag-ugnayan sa ating mga partners,” said Umali, who also appeared in the weekly public service program.
“Itong agreement na ito ay makakatulong sa pagpapalaganap ng aming distance learning modality. Inaasahan po natin na gagamitin ito sa ating mga anak hindi lamang pag tinuturo ang Physical Education modules, kung hindi bilang paraan para maging physically fit.”
Added Umali: “Yung konsepto naman na pagpapahalaga sa sports ay isang mandato na nakapaloob sa ating saligang batas. Ito ay isang polisiya ng ating pamahalaan na bigyan prioridad ang pampalakasan. Kaya nagpapasalamat kami sa MILO sa patuloy na pag-tulong sa DepEd.”
Under the MILO-DepEd partnership, the program will be shown during P.E. classes among millions of elementary students nationwide on DepEd’s multi-media platforms including DepEd TV and the DepEd Learning Commons online.
Castillo said the six-minute MILO Champion Habit video was expertly developed with the help of the DepEd and the University of the Philippines’ College of Human Kinetics.
The instructional video is already available on the MILO YouTube Channel.He said the program is positioned to reinforce Nestlé’s commitment in providing online modules and kits for P.E. and nutrition to support DepEd’s Learning Continuity Plan.
In an earlier announcement, Nestle Philippines said research from the Australian Department of Local Government Sports and Cultural Industries showed that kids exercising regularly can improve cognitive function, which could boost their academic performance.
The MILO Champion Habit video shows fundamental set of exercises that will promote better physical and mental development for kids between seven and 12 years old.
The program demonstrates four circuit exercises focused on speed, agility, strength and power, giving kids a comprehensive training for body and mind.
According to Lizardo, exercise was a fundamental part of her academic journey that kept her on top of the court and in class.
“As a former athlete, I see the value of exercise as part of an individual’s holistic development,” said Lizardo, who also guested in the weekly TOPS session.
“Now that I have become a parent, it is important for me that I expose my child to active living while he is still young. My kid and I enjoy doing the MILO Champion Habit – P.E. at Home movement especially while drinking cups of MILO. It is a great way for us to start the day,” added Lizardo.
The weekly TOPS forum is sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and Games and Amusements Board (GAB).
