COTABATO CITY - To address the growing concerns of obesity and malnutrition among students, MP Engr. Baintan Adil-Ampatuan has filed a bill that aims to prohibit the sale and distribution of unhealthy foods within public and private schools.
BTA Parliament Bill No. 187, co-authored by MPs Amilbahar Mawallil, Atty. Laisa M. Alamia, Atty. Suharto Ambolodto, Engr. Don Mustapha Loong, Atty. Rasol Mitmug Jr., and Rasul E. Ismael, seeks to promote a healthier diet among school-age children and curb the rapid increase of child malnutrition, which often leads to oral, cardiovascular, and other related health problems.By prohibiting the sale and distribution of unhealthy foods within school premises, Ampatuan said that the bill aims to create an environment that encourages healthier food choices.
The proposed legislation encompasses various measures to achieve its objectives. It mandates that schools prohibit the promotion, sale, distribution, and advertisement of any unhealthy foods within their premises. Schools are also required to ensure the availability of healthy and nutritious food options for students.
The bill aligns with existing guidelines set forth by the Department of Education. Department Order No. 13, Series of 2017, titled "Policy and Guidelines in Healthy Food and Beverage Choices in Schools and DepEd Office," emphasizes the importance of offering healthy and nutritious food and drinks to students within school premises.
Despite the existing guidelines, MP Baintan highlights the persistent challenges in improving nutrition among school-age children in the Philippines.
According to the 2021 Expanded Nutrition Survey, alarming statistics reveal that 20.8% of school-age children are underweight, 19.7% are stunted, 6.9% are wasted or underweight for their height, and 14% are overweight for their height.
The World Health Organization defines obesity and overweight as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that poses a health risk. In the Philippines, obesity, underweight, and micronutrient deficiency collectively contribute to the triple burden of malnutrition among children.
MP Baintan explained that easy access to unhealthy foods within schools contributes significantly to childhood obesity.
By removing these affordable, readily available, and easily accessible unhealthy food options from school premises, the eating preferences of children can be better controlled. This, in turn, reduces the risk of obesity and related chronic health issues, she said.
If the bill is enacted, carbonated, and caffeinated drinks, as well as foods exceeding prescribed limits for calories, fat, sugar, and sodium content, will be prohibited within school premises in the BARMM. The Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education and the Ministry of Health will determine the implementation of rules and regulations. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)
