The Quezon City government on Monday released a list of allowed and prohibited food to be sold in public and private schools in accordance with City Ordinance 2579 of 2017, or the Quezon City Anti-Junk Food and Sugary Drinks Ordinance.
Dr. Verdades Linga, city health officer, said studies showed junk food and sugary drinks cause non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension.
“The number of those with diabetes and hypertension is increasing at a very young age,” she said.
The ordinance states that canteens in public and private elementary and high schools, preparatory schools, and stores within 100 meters from school premises should only sell nutritious food that is included in the list.
Processed foods, such as hotdog and meatloaf, are not allowed to be used as ingredients in student meals. Condiments such as soy sauce and fish sauce should not be made available on dining tables.
Food with too much oil is also prohibited, Linga said.
The compliance of school canteens shall be monitored daily by a focal person appointed by the school principal. The daily menu should always be posted in front of the canteen.
“We cannot sell sugary drinks and junk food to those in uniform or not in uniform,” Linga said.
Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte on Monday lauded President Rodrigo Duterte for signing the Philippine Mental Health Law aimed at improving the government mental health care system.
The approval of Republic Act 11036 authored by Senator Risa Hontiveros would address the needs of the growing number of Filipinos suffering from various types of mental sickness, especially depression, she said.
“Just last week, I wrote about the need for us to address the growing issue of depression and suicide after the self-inflicted deaths of some celebrities, and just this week, someone closer to home. Then comes this. Thank you so much to our senators and our President,” Belmonte said.
Citing data from the Department of Health, the vice mayor said one in five Filipino adults has some form of mental illness, such as schizophrenia, anxiety, and depression often leading to suicide.
“We can no longer allow our people to feel like their lives have no purpose and meaning. Let’s act now,” she said.
In Quezon City, Belmonte has partnered with mental health advocates from the private sector to reach out to residents that need mental health care services.
She said she is also working with the Sangguniang Kabataan in coming up with similar programs for the youth, whom she said are the most vulnerable to mental health concerns.
“We also plan to commemorate in a big way the International Suicide Awareness and Prevention Day this September,” she added.