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| National MILO Marathon (Image Source: Manila Standard/MILO Philippines) |
As MILO enters its 61st year in the Philippines, making bigger, better and more inclusive sports programs make up most of its priorities in 2025. The brand is set to scale its programs further as it aims to increase the number of National MILO Marathon events from 15 to 25, grow its sports clinics to 1,000, and expand its Barangay Liga to 100 more communities nationwide. Among its new initiatives, the MILO Safe Swim program, in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, will address drowning risks among children while the Champions In Life campaign will continue recognizing Filipinos who exemplify values learned from sports.
“MILO is committed to nurturing the next generation of champions. Our vision is to create lasting, positive change by empowering more children to embrace sports and its values," said Nestlé Philippines Inc. Senior Vice President and Business Executive Officer for Beverages and Confectionary Veronica Cruz. As it celebrates six decades of impact, MILO’s enduring dedication to grassroots sports solidifies its role as a champion of Filipino youth, inspiring them to achieve greatness on and off the field. In a roundtable interview with sports journalists, MILO marked its 60th anniversary in the Philippines by underscoring its decades-long commitment to grassroots sports development. Since its introduction in the Philippines back in 1964, the iconic choco-malt drink has fueled generations of young athletes, helping them achieve success both in sports and in life. “MILO’s journey in the Philippines is not just about being a beloved drink. It’s about nourishing young Filipinos with energy and inspiring them to embrace the values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance through sports," said Cruz.
MILO’s commitment to its mission has remained steadfast even in challenging times. During the global COVID-19 pandemic, it launched the MILO HomeCourt program, reaching over six million children with online sports resources while providing livelihood support for 1,000 coaches. This year, MILO engaged more than two million children through its flagship programs. The National MILO Marathon saw over 180,000 participants including a record number of young runners. Additionally, MILO organized 800 sports clinics and expanded its Barangay Liga program which included volleyball for the first time, reaching 300 barangays and half a million participants. MILO also extended its advocacy to underserved communities. Through a partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) it supported Indigenous Peoples, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and women in sports. Cruz emphasized, “We believe everyone deserves the chance to grow and win in life through sports.”
