Milo Champ moves aim to promote active, healthy lifestyle

MANILA, Philippines -- Nestle Philippines, Inc. and Department of Education teamed up as it launched the Milo Champ Moves, a nationwide school-based program aimed at encouraging an estimated six million elementary children in 10,000 schools to live a healthy and active lifestyle through sports and physical fitness.

No less than Nestle Philippine, Inc. chairman Suresh Narayanan himself launched the Milo Champ Moves in Thursday's press conference at Highway Hills Integrated School in Mandaluyong, Inc.

"We hope that, through the Milo advocacy, we shall be able to continue to make a difference in the lives of our Filipino school children who are our country's hope for the future," said Narayana.

Sherilla Bayona, Nestle business executive, for her part, said they hope to reach millions of school children.

"Our initial target is to encourage six million children in 10,000 schools this year and 50 million in 2018," said Bayona.

Ateneo star Kiefer Ravena also graced the event as the ambassador of the program, which specifically targets students seven to 12 years old and teach them the importance of physical activities and good nutrition.

The Champ Moves program is under the One Child, One Sport campaign, which was also launched by Milo last year in collaboration with the Department of Education to encourage school children to engage in more physical activities.

Part of its goals also looks to equip teachers with nutrition modules that highlight, among others, the importance of a healthy breakfast to help fuel children's performance in school and in doing physical activities.

"Through this program, we aim to reach out to more schools and students, enabling them to start living an active and healthy lifestyle whether on or off the court," said Bayona. "By adding an element of fun through these sports-themed dance steps, we aim for students to see Champ Moves as something to look forward to.

"Our continued partnership with the DepEd demonstrates our commitment to provide nutritional education and exercise to children across the country," she added.