PASIG City’s Pinagbuhatan Elementary School and San Miguel High School in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental were named as this year’s Nestlé Wellness Campus program champions.

The two schools bested other participating public schools in showcasing the best strategies to promote nutrition, health and wellness practices in their communities.

The program, developed through the partnership of Nestlé Philippines and the Department of Education, aims to help educate the youth and the community about the value of healthier food and lifestyle choices.

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.” Nestlé Wellness Campus Project Lead and Corporate Nutritionist Kevin Carpio said.

“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 School Year 2021-2022, the national competition was divided into two categories — Inter-School (Elementary and High School) and Inter-Region.

For the Inter-School- Elementary category, Pinagbuhatan Elementary School was named as the champion and was awarded a trophy and prize packages amounting to P200,000.

In the high school category, the best implementing school was the San Miguel High School. It also received a trophy and P200,000-worth of prize packages.

In the Inter-region category, the National Capital Region claimed the first place and was awarded a trophy and P200,000 in prize packages. Region VI – Western Visayas landed on second place and received a trophy and P150,000 in prize. Region VII – Central Visayas ranked third and bagged a trophy and prize packages worth P100,000.

Despite the challenges brought by blended learning, over 1,600 entries were submitted from seven regions, highlighting the strong engagement and competitiveness of many participating schools.