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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/MILO Philippines) |
In observance of World Drowning Prevention Day last July 25, MILO® and the Philippine Red Cross held the biggest event yet of the MILO® Safe Swim program last July 27, 2025 at Lourdes School of Mandaluyong, equipping participants with essential water safety and first aid skills to combat rising child drowning cases in the Philippines. 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. 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,” said Philippine Red Cross General Manager Dr. Gwendolyn Pang. MILO® Philippines Assistant Vice President and Head of MILO® Sports Carlo Sampan shared, “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. 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.” Former Olympian swimmer and now swimming coach Jenny Guerrero also showed her support, spotlighting the growing momentum behind the campaign. She said, “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.”
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. 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. To learn more about MILO® SAFE Swim and its upcoming legs, visit MILO® Philippines on Facebook and join the MILO® Champ Club.
