Councilor Leandro Yangot Jr. has proposed an ordinance that prohibits the sale, marketing, sponsorship, and promotion of unhealthy and beverage items. These include candies, cakes, chips, instant noodles, ice cream, soft drinks, powdered juice, deep-fried street foods, and items high in sodium, fat, or trans fats.
The proposed ordinance seeks to protect and promote the health of children in Baguio City by advancing healthier food environments in and around schools.
This prohibition applies regardless of labeling claims such as fortification, and it aligns with the Philippine Nutrient Model of the Department of health.
However, it allows exemptions for schools that may conduct programs involving the introduction or promotion of junk food provided that they meet the qualifications and requirements set by the Baguio City Task Force for Children’s Health and Nutrition (BCTF-CHN).
The ordinance will apply to all public and private early childhood development centers, elementary and high schools in the city, as well as establishments and vendors operating within a 100-meter perimeter from school premises.
Furthermore, the ordinance states that responsibility rests not only with school canteen operators but also with nearby store owners, ambulant vendors, and hawkers or ambulant vendors.
For its implementation, the ordinance mandates the creation of the BCTF-CHN, a multi-agency body composed of city offices, education officials, barangay representatives, and youth leaders. This task force will be responsible for developing policies, enforcing regulatory mechanisms, monitoring compliance, and promoting behavioral change programs. It is also required to submit annual reports with recommendations to the City Mayor and the Baguio City Council to ensure transparency and accountability.
The ordinance provides a six-month transition period before full compliance is enforced, giving schools, vendors, and enforcement agencies time to prepare.
Violators of the ordinance will face a fine of P1,000.00 for the first offense, P2,000.00 for the second, P5,000.00 for the third, and P5,000.00 plus possible suspension or revocation of their business permit for subsequent violations.
The Healthy Children Trust Fund will be created where all fines collected will be deposited to be earmarked exclusively for implementing programs to combat obesity and malnutrition among children.
The proposed ordinance has been approved on first reading by the Baguio City Council and referred to the Committee on Health, Sanitation, Ecology, and Environmental Protection for review. **Jordan G. Habbiling
