Congress Pushes Warning Labels On Junk Food To Protect Filipino Kids
Filipino lawmakers and public health experts have warned that by 2030, one in three Filipino children could be overweight or obese. The concern was highlighted in a joint hearing of the House Committees on Health and Welfare of Children, focusing on the Healthy Food Environment (HFE) Bill.
The bill aims to curb obesity and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) by mandating front-of-pack warning labels (FOPWL) on products high in sugar, fats, or sodium, and restricting marketing of unhealthy food to children through cartoons, mascots, games, and prizes.
Evidence from other countries supports urgent action
Countries like Chile and Peru have shown that front-of-pack warning labels effectively reduce purchases of unhealthy food and beverages. Strict regulations on marketing to children in these countries also lowered exposure to manipulative advertising, preventing lifelong diet-related diseases.
Lawmakers and public health experts believe the Philippines can achieve similar results if decisive measures are taken now. Broad legislative support reflects this urgency, with the HFE Bill filed 20 times and the standalone FOPWL Bill filed 4 times, supported by 77 lawmakers as of March 11.
Lawmakers and civil society stress child protection
Representative Reynolds Michael Tan, principal author of HB 819, emphasized the need to protect families from preventable diseases. “Every billboard, every cartoon character selling unhealthy food chips away at their future,” he said, calling for preventive measures to protect children.
Vice Chairperson of both Health and Welfare of Children committees, Representative Giselle Mary Maceda, stressed that children deserve protection from manipulative marketing that can lead to lifelong disease. Representative Carlos Andes Loria added that urgent action is needed as obesity, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease continue to rise.
Civil society groups also voiced support. The Healthy Food Environment Coalition called for swift committee approval, highlighting the potential to create a healthier food environment for Filipino children. The Philippine Society of Public Health Physicians emphasized that evidence shows the law works, protects children, and does not harm the economy.
