Gatorade, PepsiCo’s leading hydration brand, has partnered with the Department of Education (DepEd) to launch the Fuel Tomorrow Academy, a nationwide initiative designed to support the country’s school sports program and promote the overall well-being of Filipino students.
Grounded in PepsiCo Positive (pep+), the company’s global agenda for inclusive and purpose-driven growth, the program reinforces Gatorade’s long-term commitment to youth development and proper hydration.
The Fuel Tomorrow Academy is built on three pillars — Fueling the Mind, Fueling the Body, and Fueling the Soul. It aims to equip junior high school students with the knowledge, habits, and confidence to lead active, healthy lifestyles. The initial rollout covers five regions nationwide and is implemented through a three-phase approach that reaches students, teachers, coaches, and school communities.
The first phase, SCALE, reaches over 6,650 schools and promotes hydration awareness and regular movement by equipping educators with practical tools such as the Fuel Tomorrow Academy Playbook and the Fuel Up Move dance fitness routine. Developed in partnership with the University of the Philippines College of Human Kinetics, these materials encourage teamwork and make exercise more engaging and accessible.
The succeeding MOTIVATE phase expands support to 500 schools by providing sports equipment to strengthen grassroots sports and activate newly institutionalized school sports clubs.
The final phase, ELEVATE, brings the Fuel Tomorrow Academy directly to 91 schools through a nationwide caravan that combines education, fitness, and interactive sessions for students and teachers.
“Initiatives like the Fuel Tomorrow Academy represent what Gatorade stands for — fueling potential,” said Aditya Sheoran, Regional General Manager for Beverages, PepsiCo (Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore). “Through this partnership with DepEd, we aim to champion the athletes of tomorrow and help build a generation that values health, teamwork, and perseverance.”
Gatorade also announced two complementary programs under the Fuel Tomorrow Academy.
The Player of the Year Award will recognize student-athletes who exemplify excellence, discipline, and sportsmanship. Meanwhile, the launch of the new 237ml Gatorade bottle, formulated in line with DepEd’s Nutrition Guidelines for Beverages, will make proper hydration more accessible and appropriate for school settings.
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara expressed appreciation for the partnership, stating: “Earlier this year, we institutionalized School Sports Clubs to promote the holistic development of our learners and encourage active lifestyles. With partners like Gatorade, we are taking this mission further, ensuring that our students remain healthy, active, and grounded in the values that sports promote: discipline, sportsmanship, and competitiveness.”
The partnership was formally launched with the presence of DepEd Secretary Sonny
Angara, Gatorade Regional General Manager Aditya Sheoran, PepsiCo Philippines
Marketing Director Nicole Villarojo, and Redscope Communications leaders Sarah Coe and Dr. Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial. The leaders emphasized the shared goal of advancing a strong, inclusive, and sustainable school sports ecosystem.
“As we look at the bigger impact of our collaboration, we want the Fuel Tomorrow Academy to evolve with the needs of Filipino students,” added Nicole Villarojo, Marketing Director of PepsiCo Philippines.
“Strengthening school sports is not a one-time effort. This partnership reflects our long-term commitment to supporting communities, empowering youth, and making proper hydration more accessible.”
Through the Fuel Tomorrow Academy, Gatorade and DepEd aim to create an environment where every learner — whether an aspiring athlete or a first-time mover— can stay active, confident, and motivated to pursue their fullest potential.
