School official Zozobrado aims to reinstate the prohibition of junk food in educational institutions
In Davao City, Councilor Rachel Zozobrado is revisiting a proposed ordinance aimed at banning the sale of junk food within school campuses and a 100-meter radius outside them. This initiative, first introduced in 2010, seeks to ensure that food sold in and around schools meets the nutritional needs of elementary and secondary students.
The revised ordinance will include stricter food policies, such as Front-of-Package Nutrition Labelling, to provide clear nutritional information and promote healthier food choices for children. This regulation is intended to help Dabawenyos, especially children, make informed choices and reduce their exposure to unhealthy food products.
The ordinance will also promote healthy food procurement and ensure the provision of nutritious meals both inside and outside school premises. Zozobrado emphasized the need for penalties for the ordinance's future implementation and is considering the creation of a dedicated council for monitoring, if necessary.
The proposed ordinance faced opposition in the past, but it gained strong support from parents, schools, and the Department of Education. This time, Zozobrado aims to implement the proposed ordinance across the entire Davao City.
In 2024, the Davao Region recorded a slight increase in both undernutrition and overnutrition. Stunting increased to 1.53 percent, while the prevalence of underweight children rose to 2.95 percent. Overnutrition rose to 5.86 percent. These health concerns, particularly among children, have prompted Zozobrado to revisit the proposed ordinance.
The responsible monitoring agency for the ordinance has yet to be determined. Despite the lack of specific implementation details and timelines, Zozobrado's renewed efforts to revisit and strengthen the ordinance indicate a commitment to creating a city-wide environment with easily accessible nutritious food options for every child and resident.
- Aiming to combat rising health concerns among children, Councilor Rachel Zozobrado intends to enforce the proposed ordinance across Davao City, targeting not just schools but the entire region.
- To promote health and wellness, the revised ordinance will incorporate Front-of-Package Nutrition Labelling, providing clear nutritional information and encouraging healthier food choices for residents, particularly children.
- For a comprehensive education and self-development, Zozobrado emphasizes the need for penalties in the ordinance's implementation and considers establishing a dedicated council for monitoring its progress.
- The proposed ordinance, which includes stricter food policies and encourages healthy food procurement, is intended to contribute to a city-wide environment that prioritizes environment, health, education, and fitness-and-exercise by offering easily accessible nutritious food options for all residents.
