Davao City – April 29, 2025 — In a strong show of commitment to grassroots sports development, MILO® gathered members of the Mindanao media in a special Kapihan session to share its bold mission of building a more active and inclusive Philippines through sports. Led by MILO® Sports Head Carlo Sampan, the session spotlighted the brand’s holistic approach to sports advocacy with a lineup of programs that nurture not just athletic skills—but values like discipline, grit, and teamwork.
MILO® Active Pilipinas: More Than Just Sports
At the heart of MILO®’s nationwide movement is MILO® Active Pilipinas—a dynamic campaign aimed at reaching over 3 million Filipino kids by 2025. Designed to promote accessible, value-based sports engagement, the initiative includes flagship programs like the National MILO® Marathon, Sports Clinics, Barangay Liga, and the newly launched MILO® Safe Swim.
“These programs go beyond medals and trophies. We’re here to champion a generation that’s not just physically active, but also values-driven,” Sampan said.
Running Together: A More Inclusive MILO® Marathon
The iconic National MILO® Marathon, the country’s longest-running and largest footrace, has taken a significant step toward inclusivity. Over 300 persons with disabilities (PWDs), including athletes from the Philippine School for the Deaf and Special Olympics Pilipinas, joined the recent Manila leg—underscoring MILO®’s advocacy for equal access to sports.
“It’s important that every Filipino—regardless of age, gender, or ability—feels welcomed and celebrated in the world of sports,” Sampan added.
Training Young Champions: MILO® Sports Clinics
Now more accessible than ever, MILO® Sports Clinics have reached deep into provinces—from Cagayan Valley to Mindanao—offering expert-led training in 35 sports, including emerging events like skateboarding, pole vault, and bowling.
With over 1,000 classes conducted nationwide, the clinics aim to build fundamental athletic skills while providing meaningful experiences for children, including girls, PWDs, and those from indigenous communities.
Grassroots Power: MILO® Barangay Liga
In partnership with Boysen Paints, the MILO® Barangay Liga is transforming over 100 local basketball courts across 200 barangays into vibrant community sports hubs. More than 200,000 young athletes have joined the program, which promotes not only basketball skills but also camaraderie and community pride.
Water Safety for All: MILO® Safe Swim
This year, MILO® introduced Safe Swim—a nationwide effort to teach 3,600 children and their parents essential water safety and survival skills. Done in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, the program covers basic swimming lessons, emergency response, and first aid—further proving that MILO®’s brand of empowerment extends beyond the basketball court or race track.
What’s Next for Mindanao?
Sampan also unveiled upcoming grassroots sports programs for Mindanao, including:
- MILO® Marathon – Walk, Run, and Roll (Surigao, July 20)
- 1st Mindanao Cheerdance Championships (Davao)
- Gymnastics Camp (Cagayan de Oro, June)
- Karate & Taekwondo Nationals (TBA)
- Mindanao Inter-School Swimming Championships (TBA)
- South Mindanao Football Cup
- Zamboanga Basketball Tournament (TBA)
These events are set to expand MILO®’s reach and deepen its impact across the southern region.
Building a Generation of Champions
As it heads toward its 60th year, MILO® continues to redefine what it means to be a champion—not just by nurturing athletic talent but by instilling life lessons that last well beyond the final whistle.
“Sports is a powerful tool,” Sampan shared. “Through these programs, we’re not just building future athletes—we’re shaping future leaders.”
For more information on MILO®’s grassroots sports programs, visit www.milo.com.ph or follow MILO® Philippines on Facebook.
