Biñan City, Laguna -- MILO Philippines has given its full support to the Special Olympics Pilipinas and the Department of Education, 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. “By making sports accessible to all, we can unlock opportunities and help empower every child, including those in the disabled community, to pursue their dreams and become champions in life.”
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 about 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.
Among the participants was Austin, a vibrant young boy on the autism spectrum, who has a deep love for singing, dancing, and playing sports. According to mom Arlene Vitz, active play has been a meaningful outlet for his son to express himself.
“Austin showed potential in different sports like table tennis, swimming, and most recently basketball, which is why I encouraged him to join Special Olympics Pilipinas,” she said. “Since then, I’ve seen a lot of improvements in his mobility and confidence. It’s truly heartwarming to see children with disabilities being accepted, provided the opportunities, and excel in sports just like any other child.”
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.
“With unified learning in sports, it’s very heartening to see our regular learners alongside learners with special needs,” said DepEd Central Office Chief of Youth Formation Dr. Gina Lopez Cruz. “This allows our regular learners to better understand the needs of those with disabilities, while children with disabilities feel accepted and included in everything they do.”
The partnership between MILO and Special Olympics Pilipinas plays a crucial role in scaling awareness and implementation of inclusivity in both education and sports. MILO and Special Olympics Pilipinas, through events like the Unified Brigada Eskwela Palaro, support and promote inclusivity, building pathways where every child can thrive, be recognized, and reach their full potential through active play.
“The Unified Brigada Eskwela Palaro is a beautiful expression of puso and bayanihan. Brigada Eskwela is about communities coming together to prepare schools—and today, we take it further by preparing hearts,” said AA Galicia, Special Olympics Pilipinas National Director. “Through play, we break barriers and build a culture where every child is included, celebrated, and loved. We thank partners like MILO for helping us create spaces where every child—regardless of ability—feels they belong.”
For more information about MILO and its sports programs, visit www.milo.com.ph.
