Serving healthy food now mandatory in Baguio City’s public events

BAGUIO CITY — Serving healthy food at city government events and meetings will be mandatory starting Sept. 19 following the publication of an ordinance creating a healthier food environment in the city.

“With the ordinance, no public funds should be spent on unhealthy food. We expect this to have a positive impact on noncommunicable diseases in Baguio,” City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes said Tuesday.

The ordinance, passed in March, is intended to complement other city measures addressing the rising prevalence of noncommunicable diseases.

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These ailments include hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, cancer and obesity among adolescents, adults and senior citizens.

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Brillantes said the city’s 2025 morbidity report showed hypertension, upper respiratory infection and diabetes among the leading illnesses recorded, with hypertension accounting for 12,775 cases.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that ischemic heart disease was the leading cause of death in the Philippines in 2025.

This illness was followed by neoplasms, cardiovascular diseases, pneumonia and diabetes mellitus.

The city health officer said the healthy food ordinance is part of broader efforts to address lifestyle-related diseases.

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“If you remember, we also came up with a program that encourages walking, which was also intended to address the lifestyle diseases,” Brillantes recalled.

“With this healthy eating program of the city government, we hope to see another difference in the health situation of our residents,” the local official said.

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The city has also implemented a smoke-free ordinance, which helped reduce the number of smokers.

Under the healthy food policy, food served at city events should be low in sugar, salt and fat and high in fiber.

Purchasing officers are encouraged to read food labels as a practical guide when selecting food.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong, in a separate interview, urged national government agencies and private-sector organizations to adopt similar measures.

He asked national offices to work with the city in promoting the health of workers and clients.

Brillantes said lifestyle factors, including lack of physical activity, unhealthy food intake and vices, contribute to the city’s health concerns.

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She said local health ordinances play an important role in improving community nutrition and helping residents make healthier lifestyle choices. /apl