SOME 3,000 student-athletes from 300 schools nationwide will test their mettle in the Milo-Deped Palarong Pambahay championships which unfurls on Saturday and Sunday, May 21 and 22, and will be streamed live on the official Milo Philippines Facebook page.

Milo Sports Program Head Carlo Sampan, in a recent Zoom press conference, said, "This is the first nationwide online multi-sports event. Ipapakita nito ang growth mindset amid the pandemic (This is an avenue for them for our young athletes to show their growth mindset amid the pandemic). We all know the importance of getting our children into sports. Champions are made at home."

He said that the Palarong Pambahay sportsfest aims to provide a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents and continue their championship journeys in school and sports.

Finalists in elementary and high school divisions will vie for honors in athletics, arnis, basketball, football, jumprope, karatedo, rhythmic gymnastics, and taekwondo. Their video submissions will serve as their official entries to the competition. Top winners in each division will receive a MILO medal, certificate, and electronic voucher.

Sampan praised stakeholders, including the media, for helping them promote the values of camaraderie, respect, and discipline through sport. He also thanked the Department of Education and its tournament managers, coaches, and the champion moms for their support for the program, which is being held in cooperation with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

Deped Undersecretary lawyer Tonisito Umali, for his part, said, "Ito po ay napaka-creative. Kailangan natin para po sa ating mga anak. Mahalaga ito, ang sports o palakasan, at ang patuloy na pagkakroon ng akitbidad sa kabuuang kalagayan o sitwasyon ng ating mga anak not only phsyically but also psychologically (We need this for our children. Sports and continuous activities are important in the overall wellbeing of our children, not only physically but also psychologically as well)."

He also said that partnering with Deped for the first of its kind competition is a pleasure. Umali also said that the coaches, teachers, and parents have worked hard to make the event happen amid the challenges they faced due to COVID-19 that hindered most of their on-ground activities.

"This is quite a milestone and integral proof that nothing can stop the Filipino champion spirit and our winning culture of Bayanihan. We look forward to seeing our athletes shine and excel in the competition," the education official added.