THE Aktibo Dabawenyo health and wellness program was launched to children in conflict with the law (CICL) housed at Bahay Pagasa in Bago Oshiro, Tugbok District in Davao City on Tuesday, April 27.
This was bared by Sports Development Division of the City Mayor's Office (SDD-CMO) officer-in-charge Mikey Aportadera during a Zoom press conference with Milo Assistant Vice President Lester Castillo on Wednesday, April 28, 2021.
"We opened the program at Bahay Pagasa. They are very thankful that Milo and the city have extended their services to them," the city sports chief said.
At Bahay Pagasa, a television was set up inside the covered court and it showed instructional exercise videos both from Milo and Aktibo Dabawenyo.
Aportadera said, "On behalf of the city mayor and the city vice mayor, we are elated to partner with Milo to reach out to the people of Davao City's 182 barangays through the Aktibo Dabawenyo."
The next stop will be barangays in the Poblacion District. He said they will coordinate with the barangay officials before bringing their caravan to their respective areas although Paquibato is among their priority barangays to visit in the coming weeks or months.
"Whatever that is applicable to them, we will bring the sports there," he said.
He also said his office sought the help of Dabawenyo coaches and trainers in conducting the program and about 30 of them committed to support it.
The Aktibo Dabawenyo aims to ensure that Dabawenyos stay fit and active amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic. It encourages Dabawenyos to exercise regularly through a set of instructional videos ranging from Zumba sessions by expert instructors to basics of playing various sports by veteran coaches and standout athletes of the city.
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, in a recorded video message during the virtual presscon, urged Dabawenyos to participate in the Aktibo Dabawenyo program, underscoring the benefits of exercise. Duterte-Carpio said, "Exercise develops discipline and promotes healthier and more active lifestyle during the pandemic. No doubt every Dabawenyo can live healthy, active, and strong."
Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Sebastian Durterte, said, "Let us support the Aktibo Dabawenyo program."
Castillo, for his part, said Aktibo Dabawenyo is aligned with Milo's campaign thrust of finding ways for kids to stay active and healthy.
"When namention yung program (When the Aktibo Dabawenyo program was mentioned), we were glad that we were considered. We want to help in any way we can. Napaka-important kasi ng physical activities ngayon. Sobra one year na tayo sa pandemic, may impact na yan sa mental health ng mga bata (Physical activities are very important. It's been over a year now with the pandemic and it is taking a toll in the mental health of children)," the Milo executive said.
With the recent rollout of Aktibo Dabawenyo, Castillo said Milo committed to provide sports equipment.
He added, "Malawak yung scope na gustong puntahan ng Aktibo Dabawenyo (Aktibo Dabawenyo plans to reach a wide scope). We committed few items and we will do our best to provide these items. We also have a video content library of sports programs and we are giving Aktibo Dabawenyo access to these materials."
Castillo also assured to continue supporting the grassroots sports development programs of the city government of Davao's and help 1.8 million Dabawenyos active through the innovative Aktibo Dabawenyo program. (MLSA)