The Department of Education Region VII, in partnership with Nestlé Philippines, has launched the Wellness Campus Program for School Year 2026–2027. This initiative is designed to promote healthy habits among learners, teachers, and parents through nutrition education, physical activity, hygiene awareness, and waste management. It’s more than a school program—it’s a community movement that connects education with wellness.
What Is the Wellness Campus Program?
The Wellness Campus Program integrates health and wellness concepts into the MAPEH learning area (Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Health). It encourages schools to adopt sustainable practices and empowers students to live healthier lives. With strong collaboration between schools, divisions, and communities, the program has consistently produced national‑level recognition for participating learners and teachers.
Key Objectives of the Program
Nutrition education: Teaching students and parents about balanced diets, portion control, and food labels.
Physical activity: Encouraging daily exercise through dancercise routines and active play.
Good hygiene: Reinforcing habits like handwashing and personal cleanliness.
Waste management: Promoting environmental responsibility and care for the planet.
These objectives align with the seven healthy habits promoted by Nestlé Wellness Campus: nutritious choices, portion management, water and milk consumption, active play, shared meals, hygiene, and environmental care.
Competitions That Inspire Participation
The program isn’t just about lessons—it’s about engagement through contests that make wellness fun and competitive.
1. Dance Masters Competition
Teachers and non‑teaching staff showcase their talent in modern dance using official Nestlé Wellness Campus dancercise music.
Teams of 18–20 dancers
Strict guidelines for choreography and video submissions
National winners receive cash prizes up to Php 50,000
2. Best Implementing School Competition
Schools design impactful wellness initiatives and present them through portfolios.
Categories: Elementary and Junior High School
Judging criteria: Planning, execution, effectiveness, and stakeholder engagement
National winners receive up to Php 150,000 in prize packages
3. Inter‑School and Inter‑Division Competitions
These contests recognize outstanding schools and divisions that excel in program implementation.
Categories include Hataw Sayaw, Sarap Sustansya Cook‑Off, and Outstanding Division of the Year
Winners are awarded cash prizes, equipment, and recognition plaques
National and Regional Recognition
At the national level, schools and divisions compete face‑to‑face in Manila, with travel expenses covered by Nestlé Philippines. Winners receive significant prize packages, including laptops, projectors, sound systems, and canteen equipment—all aimed at supporting nutrition and wellness in schools.
At the regional level, divisions and focal persons are recognized for their leadership and program execution. The Best Region of the Year Award highlights regions that demonstrate exceptional performance, with prizes worth up to Php 200,000.
Why This Matters for Global Audiences
Though the program is based in the Philippines, its goals resonate worldwide. In the U.S., educators and parents face similar challenges: childhood obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and the need for stronger school‑community partnerships. The Wellness Campus Program offers a model that blends education with health promotion, showing how schools can become hubs of wellness for families and communities.
How Schools Can Participate
Conduct division‑level program launches before August 20, 2026
Implement wellness initiatives throughout the school year
Submit portfolios and video entries according to contest mechanics
Engage parents and communities through Facebook groups and PTA sessions
Participation must comply with DepEd’s No Disruption of Classes Policy and the No Collection Policy, ensuring that activities remain inclusive and accessible.
Empowering Schools, Nourishing Families
The Wellness Campus Program 2026–2027 is more than a set of contests—it’s a holistic approach to education that empowers schools to nourish families, strengthen communities, and inspire healthier generations. By combining fun, competition, and practical health education, it sets a benchmark for wellness initiatives that can be replicated globally.