QC government implements ‘Anti-Junk Food and Sugary Drinks’ drive in schools
Addressing risk factors that cause non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases and cancer could help prevent diseases if only more people would go for healthier choices.
To promote a behavior change and healthier eating habits among its citizenry, the Quezon City Government, led by Mayor Herbert Bautista, is implementing the “Anti-Junk Food and Sugary Drinks” initiative that is targeted to curb the NCD epidemic.
“In the Philippines, 75 percent of deaths are caused by NCDs, according to the World Health Organization. Implementing a high-impact intervention that reduces risk factors such as preservatives and sugar will help lessen the number of premature deaths caused by NCD conditions,” said Aldrin C. Cuña, city administrator of QC, as he spoke on behalf of Mayor Bautista during the “Partnership for Healthy Cities: Preventing Non-communicable Diseases for a Healthier Quezon City” forum that was held recently at Novotel Hotel in Cubao.
Helping drive QC’s fight against NCDs is its membership in the Partnership for Healthy Cities global network, which is led by World Health Organization (WHO) global ambassador for NCDs and former New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. Vital Strategies, a global organization of public health experts, is Bloomberg Philanthropies’ implementing partner.
QC was chosen as one of the 54 cities around the world that would deliver an initiative of their own choice to prevent NCDs. The partnership connects QC to other city leaders and health experts working to prevent NCDs and is provided a seed grant to jumpstart the effort.
“In inviting cities, one of the foremost factors that we’re looking at is how the city mayor works to overcome healthcare matters. Bloomberg Philanthropies and Vital Strategies also have existing health efforts in the Philippines. We want to leverage on resources to support QC and other cities in the partnership,” explained Ramya Kancharla, Vital Strategies project officer for Partnership for Healthy Cities.
Over 40 million people die from NCDs each year and 80 percent of these deaths occur in low- and middle- income countries such as the Philippines. NCDs also cause 50 million premature deaths among those between ages 30 to 70 years old, according to Dr. Ronaldo R. Quintana, SSA technical officer for NCD and Road Safety at WHO.
With proper and strict implementation, the QC Health Department, Bloomberg Philanthropies, WHO, Vital Strategies, Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Education (DepEd) are optimistic that the initiative would help curb NCD cases.
“We developed monitoring and evaluation tools like supervising what are sold in school canteens to ensure that we are on track in the ordinance’s implementation, and achieve the desired results,” said Verdades Linga, City Health Officer III.
Quezon City Councillor Irene Belmonte authored the initiative that will ban junk food and sugary drinks inside and within a 100-meter perimeter from public and private schools. In support of the initiative, the city government formed a joint task force to identify the prohibited junk food and sugary drinks, monitor schools and communities and implement the initiative.
QC will be an active participant in the Partnership for Healthy Cities and will take all steps necessary to ensure that the “Anti-Junk Food and Sugary Drinks” initiative implementation plan is mutually defined and fully delivered, milestones are met and success are clearly communicated.
“By implementing a high-impact intervention in line with the objectives defined in the partnership, our city will help improve Filipinos’ health and will be further equipped to thrive in the 21st century,” said QC Mayor Herbert Bautista.
The Partnership for Healthy Cities is an 18-month initiative. Each city in the partnership has pledged to enact one of 10 proven policies identified by WHO as effective in protecting people from exposure to NCDs and injury risk factors.
“The Partnership for Healthy Cities unites mayors who are committed to helping their citizens live healthier lives and to reduce NCDs and injuries. The actions these mayors take can prevent millions of needless deaths and protect the health of generations to come, while at the same time making their cities stronger and more prosperous,” said WHO global ambassador Bloomberg.