BIÑAN CITY, Laguna — Milo Philippines has given its full support to the Special Olympics Pilipinas and the Department of Education (DepEd), in championing a more inclusive future through unified learning in sports at the inaugural Unified Brigada Eskwela Palaro, a one-day event that celebrated inclusive education by bringing together students of all abilities to learn and play side by side.
As part of its commitment to making sports accessible for all Filipino children, Milo supported this initiative to underscore that the values instilled through sports such as grit, discipline, and teamwork, should be available to every child, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“Milo believes that sports can be a powerful tool in effecting positive change in individuals and the whole society,” said Carlo Sampan, Head of Sports, Milo Philippines.
Unified learning, a term pioneered by Special Olympics, refers to an inclusive educational environment where students with and without disabilities, learn, play, and participate equally together in shared environments. The Unified Brigada Eskwela Palaro gave children and parents a preview of what unified learning is all about, serving as a powerful platform for kids to learn understanding, empathy and growth.
Held at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan City, the event gathered over 200 students from 23 DepEd schools recognized as “Unified Champion Schools” or schools that adopt inclusive practices such as unified sports, inclusive youth leadership and whole-school engagement.
The event featured various activities on sports and leadership, including the Milo Best Center Basketball Clinic, where children participated in engaging basketball drills designed to teach the fundamentals of the sport.
According to a study by the University of Massachusetts and Special Olympics, children who participate in unified sports activities show significant enhancements in social and emotional development, along with a stronger sense of belonging in school. Parents observed noticeable improvements in their children’s confidence, behavior, and ability to connect with others.
The partnership between Milo and Special Olympics Pilipinas plays a crucial role in scaling awareness and implementation of inclusivity in both education and sports. By supporting and promoting inclusivity through events like the Unified Brigada Eskwela Palaro, they are building pathways where every child can thrive, be recognized, and reach their full potential through active play.