Pasig City’s Pinagbuhatan Elementary School and Tanjay City’s San Miguel High School were named as this year’s champions for having the best implementation of the Nestlé Wellness Campus (NWC) program. They triumphed over participating public schools from across the country, showcasing the best strategies to promote nutrition, health and wellness practices in their communities.
Through the partnership of Nestlé Philippines and the Department of Education (DepEd), the Nestlé Wellness Campus (NWC) program was born to help educate the youth and the community about the value of healthier food and lifestyle choices. Every year, participating schools take a proactive role in implementing the program’s dancercise, student and adult modules, and their own wellness initiatives to promote the 7 Healthy Habits — Choose Nutritious and Varied Options, Manage Portions, Choose to Drink Water and Milk, Enjoy Meals Together, Play Actively, Care for the Planet, Keep Good Hygiene.
“As we work hand-in-hand with the DepEd for the implementation of our Nestlé Wellness Campus program, the schools themselves make all the difference.” said Kevin Carpio, RND, Nestlé Wellness Campus Project Lead and Corporate Nutritionist. “Thanks to their creativity, willingness, and dedication, they are not only able to guide students, but continue instilling in them the value of proper nutrition and physical activity, which is vital for good health, especially in the new normal.”
For SY 2021-2022, the national competition was divided into two categories — Inter-School (Elementary and High School) and Inter-Region. While blended learning has its challenges, over 1,600 entries were submitted from across seven regions, highlighting the strong engagement and competitiveness of many participating schools.
Winners from the division level until the nationals took home plaques and trophies to commemorate their victory. They also received prize packages worth a total of more than PHP 2M that they can use to further improve their school facilities and infrastructure.
For the Inter-School category under elementary, Pinagbuhatan Elementary School was named the champion and was awarded a trophy and prize packages amounting to PHP 200,000. Runners-up respectively include Moises Padilla Elementary School from Negros Occidental, Cawayan Elementary School from Albay, Tandang Sora Elementary School from San Carlos City, and Fabiana G. Banogon Memorial Elementary School from Tanjay City.
In the high school category, the best implementing school was San Miguel High School from Central Visayas and they were also awarded their own trophy and PHP 200,000 worth of prize packages. Among the runners-up are Tulalian National High School from Davao del Norte, Western Bicutan National High School from Taguig City, Camarin High School from Caloocan City, and Salihid National High School from Iloilo Province, respectively.
Finally, for the Inter-region category, the National Capital Region wins first place, a trophy and PHP 200,000 in prize packages. In second place was Region VI – Western Visayas with a trophy and PHP 150,000 in prize packages, and Region VII – Central Visayas in third with their own trophy and prize packages worth PHP 100,000.
“As the Kasambuhay sa Kalusugan of Filipinos, we would like to congratulate all the winners and a big thanks as well to everyone who participated. More than the prizes, what is most important is our collective effort to deliver quality education amidst the pandemic, enrich learning experiences of teachers, parents and students, and reinforce wellness in our communities,” said Atty. Olive Misa, Nestlé PH VP for Public Affairs.
“At a time like this, it’s become more important than ever to prioritize the health and wellness of families, especially for the children whose potential we are nurturing,” shared Kais Marzouki, Nestlé Philippines Chairman and CEO. “With the Nestlé Wellness Campus Awards, we’re closing the program’s 9th year, and none of this would have been possible without the help of the Department of Education. Congratulations to all our champions and finalists, but let it be said that as we advocate the health and wellness of more and more children, we’re already winning.”