UNDERSCORING its commitment to schoolchildren of all ages, Milo Phils. supported the recent inaugural Unified BrigadaEskuwelaPalaro organized by the Department of Education and Special Olympics Pilipinas at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna.
The one-day event gathered over 200 students from 23 DepEd schools recognized as “Unified Champion Schools” or schools that have adopted inclusive practices and activities for normal school kids and mentally-challenged ones.
The highlight of the occasion was the Milo BEST Center basketball clinic, where the participants had drills and were taught the basics of the popular sport.
“With unified learning in sports, it’s very heartening to see our regular learners training alongside learners with special needs,” Dr. Gina Lopez Cruz, DepEd Central Office Youth Formation chief, noted.
“This allows our regular school children to better understand the needs of those with disabilities, while children with disabilities feel accepted and included in everything they do,” Cruz said.
“The Unified BrigadaEskuwelaPalaro is a beautiful expression of puso and bayanihan. BrigadaEskuwela is about communities coming together to prepare schools—and today, we take it further by preparing hearts,” AA Galicia, Special Olympics Pilipinas national director, pointed out.
“Through play, we break barriers and build a culture where every child is included, celebrated, and loved,” Galicia added.
“Milo believes that sports can be a powerful tool in effecting positive change in individuals and the whole society,” said Milo sports head Carlo Sampan, who was present at the event. “By making sports accessible to all, we can unlock opportunities and help empower every child, including those in the disabled community, to pursue their dreams and become champions in life.”
