Taytay passes ordinance to protect children’s health

MANILA, Philippines — The local government of Taytay, Rizal, has passed an ordinance seeking to restrict the marketing of ultra-processed food and beverages within the municipality, specifically targeting children.

According to law firm ImagineLaw, Ordinance No. 2307-036 (An Ordinance to Protect Children from the Harmful Impacts of Food and Beverage Marketing) is “to protect children from obesity and other diet-related health risks.”

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It notably prohibits advertisements featuring high-fat, salt, or sugar food along school zones, playgrounds, parks, and family mall areas.

Citing a United Nations Children’s Fund study, ImagineLaw said children’s exposure to these advertisements is linked to their increased consumption of ultra-processed food.

“This is a win for children’s health. We commit to creating an environment where our children can grow up healthy and easily pursue healthy eating habits, starting with this policy,” Councilor Tobit Cruz said in a statement on Thursday.

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In the ordinance’s implementation, the Rizal government will form a local task force to monitor food and beverage advertisements within the municipality.

“Violators of the ordinance will face a fine of  P2,500 and will be required to take down advertisements that violate the regulations,” ImagineLaw said. — Melanie Tamayo, intern