Quezon city: The Quezon City government, lawmakers, and public health advocates called on Congress to approve stronger food policy measures as the country celebrates the Philippine Heart Month. In a news release on Monday, public interest law group Imagine Law said the Healthy Food Environment (HFE) bill, Front-of-Pack Warning Label (FOPWL) bill, and Sodium Reformulation bill seek to institutionalize clearer nutrition labeling, regulate food marketing practices, and require the reformulation of high-sodium products to help address heart disease and other diet-related illnesses.
According to Philippines News Agency, the local government hosted a community march on Sunday dubbed 'Step Up for Healthier Hearts: Sama-samang Hakbang para sa Kalusugan' along Tomas Morato Avenue to promote the measures. Akbayan Party-list Representatives Perci Cenda±a and Chel Diokno, principal authors of House Bill No. 6834 or the HFE bill, joined the march and reiterated their commitment to advancing the legislation. Civil society groups and community members likewise expressed support for policy reforms aimed at creating healthier food environments nationwide.
Cenda±a, a stroke survivor, underscored the need for mandatory front-of-pack warning labels to guide consumers. Meanwhile, Diokno stressed the need for stronger protections for Filipinos. "Kailangan meron din pananagutan ang mga gagawa ng bagay ng mga hindi nakakatulong sa ating kabataan at lahat ng mga Pilipino (There must be accountability for those who produce food and beverages that do not benefit our youth and all Filipinos)," Diokno said.
About 24 bills promoting a healthy food environment have been filed in Congress as of February, reflecting growing legislative support. At the local level, Councilor Vincent Belmonte highlighted the city's Healthy Public Food Procurement policy, which ensures that public funds are spent on nutritious food, and its Calorie Labeling ordinance to help residents make informed dietary choices.
Philippine Heart Association member Dr. Rodney Jimenez said heart disease remains the leading health concern among Filipinos, emphasizing that reforms in nutrition labeling and sodium reduction are critical preventive measures. Imagine Law executive director Sophia San Luis urged swift congressional action, saying systemic safeguards are needed to protect public health.
