The City Government of Quezon City passed an ordinance prohibiting the selling of junk food and sugary drinks in all schools in the city. The Anti-Junk Food and Sugary Drinks Ordinance No. 2579, S2017 with its implementing rules and regulations was approved and signed by Mayor Herbert M. Bautista last June 22, 2018.
Based on the ordinance, junk food is defined as foods that are not made of indigenous, natural, fortified food products. This also include foods that are low in nutritional content and high in calories, salt and fats such as but not limited to “Sitsirya”, instant noodles, street foods and those that shall be determined by the Joint Task Force.
On the other hand, sugary drinks/beverages are any liquid substance made for drinking that are carbon-based or with carbon dioxide gas and/or categorized as soft drinks, sugar-based, synthetic or artificially flavoured juices with sugar content.
The ordinance prohibits the selling and promotion of junk food and sugary drinks inside public and private preparatory, elementary and high schools in the city. The ban also covers the outside perimeter of the schools within one hundred (100) meters. The ordinance is in conjunction with the Department of Education Order No. 13 Series of 2017 promoting healthy food and beverage choices in schools and DepEd Offices.
School administrators, canteen owners and vendors who will violate the ordinance will pay the fine of Php 1,000.00 for the first offense; Php 2,000.00 for the second offense; and, Php 5,000.00 and revocation of their business permit for the third offense. A task force, composed of members from the City Health Department, Department of Public Order and Safety, the Division of City Schools and the Chairperson of the Health Committee of every barangay, shall oversee the implementation of the ordinance and identify the list of prohibited foods and drinks.
All barangays, through the Kagawad for Health, were oriented on the ordinance as well as principals of public elementary and high schools, representative of private schools and day care workers.
Written by: Ms. Minerva Victoria M. Perlada, Nutritionist-Dietitian III, Quezon City
Ms. Perlada is a member of the Regional Nutrition Speakers' Bureau and C/DNPC of Metro Manila Association, Inc.
