Philippine Heart Month walk in QC boosts push for healthier food policies
More than a symbolic wellness activity, the Philippine Heart Month walk in Quezon City turned into a unified call for sweeping nutrition reforms on February 22.
Held along Tomas Morato Avenue, the event titled “Step Up for Healthier Hearts: Sama-samang Hakbang para sa Kalusugan” brought together lawmakers, local officials, civil society groups, and community members determined to reshape the country’s food environment.
Participants rallied behind three priority measures pending in Congress: the Healthy Food Environment (HFE) bill, the Front-of-Pack Warning Label (FOPWL) bill, and the Sodium Reformulation bill. Advocates stressed that without stronger safeguards, Filipino families will remain vulnerable to diet-related illnesses.
Lawmakers rally behind preventive approach
Akbayan Representatives Perci Cendaña and Chel Diokno, principal authors of House Bill No. 6834 or the HFE bill, joined the march and reiterated their commitment to preventive health policies.
Cendaña emphasized that mandatory front-of-pack warning labels are critical in helping consumers quickly identify potentially harmful products. He noted that clearer labeling could help reduce cases of stroke, hypertension, and other cardiovascular diseases over time.
Diokno reinforced the call for accountability among food manufacturers, stressing that stronger consumer protections are necessary, particularly for young Filipinos. He added that broad public support will be key to advancing the Healthy Food Environment bill in Congress.
As of February, lawmakers have filed 24 measures related to building a healthier food environment, backed by 28 principal authors and 46 co-authors—an indication of growing legislative momentum.
Local government, health sector step in
At the city level, Quezon City Councilor Vincent Belmonte pointed to existing local initiatives that complement the national push for reform.
Belmonte cited the city’s Healthy Public Food Procurement policy, which directs government spending toward nutritious food options. He also highlighted the Calorie Labeling Ordinance, saying it helps residents—especially those with existing medical conditions—make more informed dietary decisions.
Health experts and civil society leaders echoed the urgency of policy-driven prevention. Rodney Jimenez of the Philippine Heart Association warned that heart disease remains the leading health concern among Filipinos and stressed that improving the food environment is essential to reversing the trend.
Meanwhile, Sophia San Luis of ImagineLaw urged lawmakers to act swiftly on the three proposed bills, noting that families struggle to make healthy choices when harmful ingredients are not clearly disclosed.
The Philippine Heart Month activity also featured Taichi and Fight Form sessions, interactive exhibits, advocacy booths, and a commitment wall where participants pledged support for healthier food environments, underscoring the broad coalition pushing for reform.
