Nestlé Inks Partnerships with DepEd-7 For Health and Wellness Program in Public Schools

Nestlé Philippines strengthened its partnership with the Department of Education-Region 7 (DepEd- 7) by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to support public elementary schools through the Nestlé Wellness Campus, an advocacy program that highlights the importance of teaching healthy habits to young Filipino students.

“While we have been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important that we continue to provide quality education to our learners. Nestlé Philippines has been our partner for years and we are grateful for their continued support, which has evolved in many ways but retains the same spirit and commitment to work together,” said Dr. Salustiano Jimenez, Regional Director, DepEd-Region 7.

Arlene Tan-Bantoto, Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications at Nestlé Philippines, lauded the partnership and reiterated the company’s commitment to the DepEd. “As the Kasambuhay ng Pamilyang Pilipino, we are thankful for the opportunity to partner with DepEd-Region 7 in driving Edu-Kalidad and promoting greater awareness on health, nutrition and the environment as we prepare our young learners to lead happier and healthier lives.”

Nestlé Wellness Campus expanded its support this school year by preparing additional and timely online modules about immunity and handwashing as well as the environment. These topics round up the seven healthy habits– Choosing Nutritious and Varied Options, Managing Portions, Choosing to Drink Water and Milk, Playing Actively, Enjoying Meals Together, Keeping Good Hygiene and Caring for the Planet – that teachers can incorporate in their lessons.

Co-developed with experts based on DepEd’s Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCs), the downloadable educational materials include lesson guides, PowerPoint presentations and worksheets for Grade 1-10 students enrolled in public schools. These will be accessible via the DepEd Commons and will also be available through Nestlé Wellness Campus Teacher Aides assigned per division in the provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.

Moreover, Nestlé Wellness Campus produced a “Dancercise” video for students to make staying active more fun for them at home. An exclusive Nestle Wellness Campus Facebook Group has also been set up to support public school teachers in navigating this new normal in education. By the end of the current school year, Nestlé Wellness Campus will recognize the best integration and implementation of wellness practices via an inter-school and inter-region online competition.

Last school year, Nestlé’s advocacy program reached over 7 million students and 200,000 teachers across 13,000 schools across the Philippines.