7-Eleven brings joy of outdoor learning to kids

MANILA, Philippines – Balanced, active play is essential and beneficial in many ways to kids of all ages. Through physical play, children progress in early learning — developing social and emotional skills, creativity and imagination paramount to a healthy well-being. And because every child rightfully deserves a childhood filled with fun outdoor learning and boundless discoveries, PhilSeven Foundation Inc. (PFI), the corporate social arm of Philippine Seven Corporation (PSC), the exclusive local licensor of 7-Eleven convenience store chain, brings the gift of active play to pre-school kids through its newly constructed community playground in barangay Langkaan 2, Dasmariñas City, Cavite.

The community playground, located adjacent to a day care center, is the inaugural donation under PFI’s “Everyday Play” Project, which advocacy supports and promotes child-friendly and healthy communities in the country by building accessible playground parks. The playground offers a comfortable space filled with colorful and exciting play equipment for young children.

Parallel to PFI’s belief in the importance of education in creating a better future for today’s generation of Filipino kids, the foundation’s latest project seeks to impart the joy and benefits of fun learning and holistic child development through safe outdoor play.

“Outdoor play is not just about having fun. It is a vital part of childhood that helps children develop physical strength, coordination and balance. It can also provide opportunities for children to learn and develop social skills, a healthier sense of self, sense of connection and self-care skills,” said Israelita S. Ferrer-Lequin, PhilSeven Foundation Agency head.

The recent project turnover was attended by Ferrer-Lequin, Fernando Laudato, barangay chairman Langkaan 2, Dasmariñas City; and Rose Abuan, Dasmariñas City social welfare head; Emma Nucum, 7-Eleven Phils. zone manager; Emmanuel Esguerra, 7-Eleven Phils. marketing communication division manager; Violeta B. Apolinario, 7-Eleven Phils. HR and administration division manager/PhilSeven Foundation ManCom chairperson; Liwayway T. Fernandez, 7-Eleven Phils. operations division manager/PhilSeven Foundation vice chairman; Francis S. Medina, 7-Eleven Phils. business development division manager/PhilSeven Foundation board of trustee; and PSC employee-volunteers.

Inspired to bring out the best in every Filipino kid through safe, active play, Lequin added the playground donation comes at a perfect timing to underscore the role of play in fostering a healthier generation of children.

 “With all the modern gadgets and very few accessible play spaces, children nowadays are engaging in less physical activity thus they are often unhealthy, they are prone to obesity. Add to this the dilemma of underdeveloped skills like empathy, collaboration, problem-solving and creativity,” she noted.  

“And because the playground is the fun place where fond memories, learning and connection among kids takes place, PFI took the opportunity to re-design our local communities by providing free accessible play structures in nearby spaces or mini parks to make them more child-safe and child-friendly,” Lequin added.

Expect more PFI “Everyday Play” playground projects to bring smiles to various communities in the country in the months to come, specifically in Caloocan City, Quezon City and Sta. Rosa City, Laguna.

The “Everyday Play” project is one of core focus advocacies launched under PSC’s corporate philanthropy arm, PFI, which began in December 2007. Among the foundation’s meaningful community projects are the Gulong ng Karunungan Project, a mobile school intended for out-of-school youth in partnership with Calamba City; Mobile Day Care Project, a mobile school intended for day care children in partnership with Manila City; Operation Bayanihan: Adopt-a-Day Care Center project in Antipolo City; medical missions; feeding programs; donation of school supplies; housing for Yolanda survivors in tie-up with SM Cares and Habitat for Humanity; Disaster/Relief Operations in partnership with DSWD NROC.