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MILO

Walk, Run, & Roll 2026 returns to celebrate sports for all

by Contributor July 3, 2026

written by Contributor

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), in partnership with MILO® Philippines, the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), the National Youth Commission, and through RunRio, proudly announces the return of Walk, Run, & Roll, a community sports event that unites persons with disabilities and non-disabled participants in a shared sporting experience on the same course.

Now in its third year, Walk, Run, & Roll continues to champion accessibility, inclusion, and equal participation in sports by creating a safe and welcoming environment where persons with disabilities, runners, families, advocates, and communities can move together and celebrate the power of sport.

The event returns to the UP Diliman AS Parking Grounds on July 26, 2026, with race categories for all fitness levels—10KM, 5KM, 3KM, and 1KM.

The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) reports that there are currently more than 2.5 million registered persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the Philippines, which calls for the need for more accessible and inclusive community programs nationwide.

PSC recognizes sports participation as a fundamental right of every Filipino and an important component of nation-building. Through such initiatives, the agency continues to fulfill its mission to create equitable opportunities for participation in sports by all sectors, ensuring that persons with disabilities are not excluded and are given the same opportunities to engage in sports and physical activities.

“When I became a PSC commissioner, I recognized the need to develop programs for persons with disabilities that go beyond focusing solely on elite athletes and para-athletes. This led us to conceptualize the ‘Walk, Run, and Roll’ initiative, which is open to persons with all types of disabilities.

As its name suggests, participants may choose to walk, run, or roll in their wheelchairs. The event is designed to promote inclusivity, encourage active lifestyles, and provide opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in sports and physical activity at all levels,” said Commissioner Walter “Wawit” Torres during the PSA Forum on the Walk, Run, and Roll program held at the Philippine Sports Commission.

This year’s event is expected to gather around 5,000 participants from across Metro Manila and neighboring areas, with an estimated almost 10-12% of participants being persons with disabilities (PWDs). This event caters to persons with all types of disabilities participating alongside non-disabled participants. By providing a shared course and a common finish line, Walk, Run, & Roll fosters greater inclusion, promotes mutual understanding, and strengthens the spirit of unity within the sports community.

National athlete for Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team and breast-cancer survivor, Gem Tanyag, shared how the Walk, Run, and Roll 2024 revived her passion for sports. Gem also shared her experience running in the event, “Masaya yung experience kasi yung mga ibang persons with disabilities na bata yung PWDs syempre po may companion. Na kapag nakikita ka nila syempre ma-i-inspire sila na “uy yung anak ko pwede rin pala maging atleta.” Nakakatuwa lang sa aming mga atleta na nakaka-inspire kami at nakakabuild ng confidence sa mga bata.”

A key feature of Walk, Run, & Roll is its PWD-friendly racecourse. There will be wayfinders, ramps, and signages designed to ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for participants with varying impairments. The event will also feature an interactive race village that aims to empower persons with disabilities and their allies through engaging activities, learning opportunities, and community interaction.

Emphasizing the meticulous and careful planning behind the course’s accessibility, Filipino Para-athletics Coach Joar Calvadores explained, “So, from the route itself pa lang, pinag-isipan na kailangan malawak ang kalsada. Yung mga daanan natin, walang obstacles, walang stairs. Freely makaka-navigate o makaka-push ang mga naka-wheelchair, even yung mga naka-crutches ay makakadaan nang maayos. Safety ang primary concern ng organizers. Pinakamahalaga ang inclusivity. In the majority of the aspects of the run—from the parking to the portalets—kailangang accessible. Pati ang signages, kailangang nababasa. Ang mga marshals ay magkakaroon din ng sensitivity training.”

For MILO®, the event reflects its continuing commitment to making sports accessible to every Filipino and creating opportunities for individuals to experience the values, confidence, and life lessons that sports can provide.

As Walk, Run, & Roll continues to grow, PSC and MILO® invite runners, persons with disabilities, families, advocates, and communities to come together and celebrate Sports for All in a safe, inclusive, and unified sports event.

Whether you walk, run, or roll, every participant helps create a future where opportunities in sports remain open to everyone. Join us on July 26 at UP Diliman and be part of a movement that champions fun, fairness, accessibility, and inclusion for all.

Participants may register through Race Roster and share their experience using #myMILOstory.

For more information and to register for the Walk, Run, and Roll, visit https://raceroster.com/events/2026/130742/2026-milo-marathon-walk-run-and-roll

July 3, 2026 0 comments

Sports

MILO® celebrates the champion journeys behind Palarong Pambansa 2026

by Contributor June 18, 2026

written by Contributor

AS THE historic first-ever Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur came to a close, the spotlight naturally fell on podium finishes, record-breaking performances, and hard-earned victories.

But beyond the medals are stories years in the making.

Stories of children who first discovered sports in their schools and communities. Stories of early morning training sessions, long journeys to competitions, and the support of parents, coaches, teachers, and mentors who believed in their potential long before they stepped onto the national stage.

For generations, Palarong Pambansa has served as the country’s premier sporting event for student-athletes. Now on its 66th edition, the games brought together more than 13,000 delegates from across the Philippines competing in 35 sports disciplines, including para-games, demonstration sports, and exhibition events.

For MILO®, these stories embody the true spirit of the Champion Journey.

As one of the country’s longest-standing advocates of grassroots sports development, MILO® continues to work alongside the Department of Education (DepEd), schools, sports organizations, and local communities to help more Filipino children experience the transformative power of sports.

This commitment came to life once again at Palarong Pambansa 2026, where young athletes connected to MILO®-supported sports communities delivered inspiring performances across multiple disciplines. Many of these athletes developed their skills through sports environments, training communities, and partner programs that MILO® has long supported as part of its commitment to grassroots sports development.

Among them were medal-winning gymnasts from Club Gymnastica, a long-time partner in promoting youth sports development. Athletes including Kaya Isolde Samillano, Ayumi Bethany Sope, Skye Hailey Balacanao, Klay Varrick Luzarraga, John Anthony Palles, Hillarion “Bebeng” Palles, and King Cjay Pernia proudly represented the club on the national stage, reflecting years of dedication and training. They were joined by

student-athletes from the National Academy of Sports (NAS), another valued MILO® partner. Across swimming, athletics, badminton, gymnastics, taekwondo, and table tennis, these young athletes demonstrated the determination, resilience, and character that define every Champion Journey.

Their achievements reflect more than athletic ability. They are the result of years of dedication, discipline, and continuous development. Their performances serve as a reminder of the impact that sustained grassroots support can have in helping young athletes reach the national stage.

“Palarong Pambansa reflects what MILO® hopes to achieve through grassroots sports. It is about helping children discover their potential, develop important life values, and grow through the lessons that sport can teach. Every athlete here is a reminder of what can happen when children are given the opportunity to play, learn, and pursue their dreams,” said Carlo Sampan, Head of MILO® Sports.

MILO®’s presence at Palarong Pambansa 2026 is rooted in its long-standing partnership with DepEd, united by a shared belief that sports play an essential role in children’s holistic development.

Through initiatives such as MILO® Active Pilipinas, MILO® continues to encourage more Filipino children to lead active lifestyles while learning valuable life lessons through sports. These efforts complement the broader vision of programs like Palarong Pambansa, which provide young athletes with opportunities to compete, represent their communities, and discover what they can achieve.

Their journeys also highlight a reality familiar to many Filipino families: no young athlete succeeds alone. Their journeys are a reminder that it takes a village to raise a child, and often an entire community to help shape a champion.

As thousands of delegates return home from Agusan del Sur carrying lessons and memories that will stay with them for life, MILO® remains committed to helping more children take their first steps in sports and begin journeys of their own.

Because behind every medal is a Champion Journey. And behind every Champion Journey is a community that made it possible. For many of this year’s delegates, Palarong Pambansa marks an important milestone: a reminder of how far they have come, and how much further their Champion Journeys can go.

For many of these young athletes, Palarong Pambansa is not just a destination but a #MyMILOStory moment in a journey that is still unfolding.

Today’s Palarong Pambansa athletes were once children taking their very first steps in sports. To learn how MILO® continues to inspire more Champion Journeys and create more #MyMILOStory moments across the country, visit www.milo.com.ph.

June 18, 2026 0 comments

Sports

MILO energizes 3 million Filipino kids through sports, launches first inclusive marathon for PWDs

by Contributor January 29, 2026

written by Contributor

MANILA, Philippines – MILO® has reached a new milestone in its mission to make sports accessible to all Filipinos, introducing over three million kids to various sports and hosting the country’s first fully inclusive marathon for persons with disabilities. These efforts, supported by partners including the Philippine Sports Commission and Department of Education, underscore the brand’s expanded focus on grassroots development and inclusivity.

“In MILO® we believe that ‘Sports is a great teacher’,” shares Carlo Sampan, assistant vice president of MILO® Philippines and Head of MILO® Sports. “It teaches both kids and adults many lessons that they can use in their sports and life, including grit, the value of teamwork, and most importantly, discipline.”

Year on year, MILO® has been able to increase its reach by 50% as they continue to support grassroots sports development nationwide. Through these efforts, MILO® has engaged 3 million children—nearly half of all Filipino kids aged 7–12—opening opportunities for them to participate in various sports. MILO® remains committed to nurturing the next generation of athletes and instilling the values that sports bring to life.

*Group of young gymnast showcasing balance and strength during a MILO-supported training session.*

MILO® continues to inspire young athletes nationwide through its extensive sports clinic program, partnering with over 42 sports organizations and conducting more than 1,200 clinics across the Philippines. Recent collaborations include the Philippine Pole Vault Club, SWIM Philippines, Zamboanga Football Club, the Philippine Bowling Federation, and more, providing aspiring athletes with hands-on training, mentorship, and opportunities to develop their skills.

The MILO® Marathon Surigao leg held during National Disability Rights Week became a very memorable venue for people with various disabilities who were given a chance to run their very first marathon.

Organized in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the event was designed with accessibility and inclusivity in mind. Most notably, the brand redesigned their wayfinding systems to make it easier for runners to navigate the race. Additionally, a sensitivity training booth was also put up to help persons without disabilities better understand how to deal with persons with disabilities–creating a community that truly understands each other’s needs.

*POC contract signing with the MILO team.*

July was also the month when MILO® formally launched SAFE Swim, a drowning prevention program in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross. It aims to teach kids and parents water safety including how to stay afloat while in water and what to do in cases of emergency.

The program had a total of 27 sessions throughout the year and a total of 1,593 of parents and kids as participants. This initiative came about after discovering that drowning is the one of the most common causes of death among children aged five to 14 in the Philippines.

*Philippine Red Cross volunteers teaching kids how to do CPR.*

All throughout the year, MILO® continues to help make sports accessible to kids from all over the country through its iconic MILO® Sports Clinic. Mounted in partnership with various sports centers, including BEST Sports Center Inc., this program has served as an entry point for roughly 3 million children to try various sports last year, including basketball, volleyball, chess, gymnastics, pole vault, taekwondo, and archery, among many others. Similarly, the MILO® Marathon also successfully completed 25 legs last year, garnering a total of over 180,000 participants from all over Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Sampan ends, “MILO® is known for supporting athletes from grassroots to greatness because the brand has always believed that great, globally recognized talents can be found everywhere. But through the joint efforts of the brand and our different partners to make sports more inclusive, we realized that greatness can also be defined by personal wins. These are all things we want every Filipino to have access to.”

January 29, 2026 0 comments

Community

MILO® and Philippine Red Cross celebrate World Drowning Prevention Day with SAFE Swim Program

by Contributor August 1, 2025

written by Contributor

MANILA, Philippines – To mark World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25, MILO® and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) held the biggest event yet of the MILO® Safe Swim program last July 27 at Lourdes School of Mandaluyong, equipping participants with essential water safety and first aid skills to combat rising child drowning cases in the Philippines.

Why MILO SAFE Swim matters

According to the World Health Organization (2019), drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury deaths in the Philippines, accounting for 31% of such deaths among children under 14 years old. Introduced in 2024 as a nationwide initiative, MILO® SAFE Swim has already made stops in Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Ilocos Sur, Cavite, Cebu, Bacolod, Pampanga, and Pasig, reaching communities across the country to promote water safety awareness and equip families with life-saving knowledge in response to this alarming statistic.

“Let’s make a commitment today—to protect each other, to raise awareness, and to give every child the chance to enjoy water safely,” said Dr. Gwendolyn Pang, general manager of the Philippine Red Cross. “Let’s make sure our kids know how to swim, how to stay safe, and how to help others because no one should lose their life to something we can prevent. Remember, SAFE water is fun water.”

Dr. Gwendolyn Pang explaining the SAFE swim method

“Drowning continues to be one of the leading causes of death among children in the Philippines. That’s why we knew we had to act, and that’s how MILO® SAFE Swim came to life,” shared Carlo Sampan, assistant vice president for MILO® and head of MILO® Sports. “At MILO®, we’ve always believed that sports build champions not just in the field, but in life. Today, we’re proud to expand that mission into the water with a program that saves lives, builds courage, and strengthens families.”

“Swimming is more than just a sport. Hindi porket competitive swimmer ako, I can save myself and save others in times of emergencies. Hindi ‘yon automatic, natututunan po ‘yan,” former Olympian swimmer and now swimming coach Jenny Guerrero also showed her support, spotlighting the growing momentum behind the campaign.

From safety to confidence: Teaching kids to swim the SAFE way

More than just swim lessons, MILO® SAFE Swim emphasizes that swimming is an essential life skill, especially in a country prone to typhoons and flooding. Through its practical and accessible sessions, the program empowers families to stay safe and respond effectively to water-related emergencies, whether in pools, natural bodies of water like rivers and lakes, or during calamities.

Certified PRC instructors, together with Bert Lozada Learn-to-Swim (BLSS) coaches, led three core sessions: (1) life-saving skills seminar covering CPR and first aid, (2) introduction to water safety with swim assessments, and (3) hands-on water safety demonstrations.

To make water safety clear and memorable, MILO® introduced the SAFE method—their take on the ABCs of swimming:

These simple yet vital steps are designed to prevent drowning and empower individuals to respond confidently in water emergencies.

A movement toward widespread safer safety awareness

MILO® SAFE Swim is a long-term advocacy that envisions water safety, especially the SAFE method, as second nature as ‘duck, cover, and hold’ in earthquake drills.

By reaching communities nationwide, the program aspires to make swimming not just a recreational activity but a life-saving skill, critical in a country like the Philippines, where water-related emergencies are common.

August 1, 2025 0 comments