Latest news with #DepartmentofScienceandTechnology-FoodandNutritionResearchInstitute
GMA Network
28-07-2025
- Health
- GMA Network
SONA 2025: Marcos urges healthier lifestyles, 'car-free' Sundays
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Monday expressed concern over the growing number of overweight Filipino adults, calling for a nationwide shift to healthier, more active lifestyles through accessible community-based fitness initiatives. Speaking before Congress during his fourth 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos said, "Nakikita natin ang sobrang pagtaas ng timbang ng ating mga kababayang edad dalawampu at pataas. Kaya sikapin nating maging mas aktibo ang ating pamumuhay araw-araw." (We are seeing an excessive rise in the weight of our countrymen aged 20 and above. That's why we must strive to live more active lifestyles every day.) In May last year, the Department of Science and Technology - Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) reported a significant increase in overweight and obesity prevalence among Filipino adolescents, from 11.6% in 2018 to 13% in 2021. Obesity is not an issue facing the Philippines alone. According to research published in The Lancet, rates of obesity and overweight are spiraling due to a "monumental societal failure" to tackle the problem. More than half of adults and almost a third of children and young people set to be affected by 2050, the study found. Marcos encouraged local government units (LGUs) to organize sports activities such as local leagues, fun runs, and group fitness events like Zumba and aerobics. He also urged cities and municipalities to open public parks and plazas, and make them inviting spaces for physical activity. "Ipalaganap natin ang pagsasagawa ng mga palaro at mga paliga, mga fun runs at fun walks, pati na mga pa-aerobics at pa-Zumba," he said. (Let's encourage organizing sports fests and tournaments, fun runs and fun walks, and even aerobics and Zumba sessions.) "Para sa mga LGU (local government units), buksan at gawing maaliwalas ang mga park at mga plaza, kung saan makakapag-ensayo ang ating mga mamamayan, bata man o matanda," he added. (To our LGUs, open and brighten up our parks and plazas so people of all ages can use them to exercise.) Walkable cities Marcos also promoted the expansion of "Car-Free Sundays" across the country, citing its current implementation in cities such as Metro Manila, Baguio, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao. The vision for these weekly initiatives converts major roads into walkable, bike-friendly spaces, encouraging outdoor movement and reducing pollution. "Magpatupad tayo ng mga 'Car-Free Sundays', tulad ng ginagawa sa ilang lungsod dito sa Metro Manila, sa Baguio, Cebu, Iloilo, at Davao," he said. (Let's implement Car-Free Sundays, like what's already being done in some cities in Metro Manila, Baguio, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao.) PSC facilities As additional support, Marcos said the Philippine Sports Commission will now open its facilities to the public for free. "Simula ngayon, bubuksan ng Philippine Sports Commission sa publiko ang kanilang mga track and field oval sa Pasig, Maynila, at Baguio, upang makapag-jogging na kayo nang libre," he said. (Starting today, the Philippine Sports Commission will open its track and field ovals in Pasig, Manila, and Baguio to the public for free jogging.) The President's push for public fitness is part of a broader strategy to combat preventable health conditions and strengthen the country's overall well-being, following recent efforts to improve nutrition among children and access to free medical services. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
20-06-2025
- Health
- GMA Network
PH records 1 million new teen smokers, vapers in 2023
The Philippines recorded 1 million new smokers and vapers aged 10 to 19 years old in 2023, according to national survey — prompting youth advocates to launch a campaign calling out the tobacco industry's targeted marketing tactics. The survey, 2023 National Nutrition Survey, of the Department of Science and Technology - Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) noted that there are about over 8 million global tobacco-related death toll annually, and over 15 million adult smokers in the Philippines. This was highlighted by the group, Positive Youth Development Network (PYDN) on Friday as it launched the "TobaccOFF NOW!" campaign, a youth-led national movement aimed at protecting Filipino adolescents from nicotine addiction. The campaign seeks to expose the tobacco industry's use of flavored products, social media marketing, influencer partnerships, and attractive packaging to hook younger consumers — tactics that have contributed to a global tobacco-related death toll. 'Nang makausap natin ang mga kabataan, aware sila sa mga tactics ng industriya tulad ng sa flavors at packaging na appealing daw sa marami sa kanila. At willing silang sumama sa ating movement para protektahan ang kanilang kinabukasan,' said Jeannie Anne Maguad, PYDN Executive Director. (When we spoke with young people, they were aware of the industry's tactics such as using flavors and packaging that appeal to them. And they're willing to join the movement to protect their future.) Held at Park Inn Hotel in Quezon City, the launch event titled 'Taking Back Our Future' gathered young leaders, health advocates, and policy stakeholders to unveil the campaign created by and for the youth. The initiative was developed through co-creation workshops held in Metro Manila, Oriental Mindoro, Iloilo, and Dinagat Islands from March to May 2025, with 126 youth participants. It was supported by an online survey involving 170 respondents nationwide. 'The TobaccOFF NOW! movement is a collective voice of the youth. This is the youth telling the tobacco industry that they are ready to take back their future,' said Vonn Vincent Tanchuan, the campaign's Communications Lead. 'It amplifies the voices of Filipino youth speaking directly to their peers, their parents and guardians, the policymakers, their schools and community, and even to businesses about the world they want to live in. This world strongly rejects the tobacco industry and its products.' The campaign plans to reach 10 million young Filipinos and mobilize 10,000 youth advocates through digital platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, as well as community-based activities and partnerships. The campaign will run until January 2026. The key policy goals include: Raising the minimum legal age for all nicotine-based products to 21 years old; Restricting distribution channels to prevent youth access; Banning all flavored nicotine products; Enforcing stricter bans on advertising, promotion, and sponsorship; Increasing taxes on nicotine products. 'Bilang tagapagtanggol ng kabataang Pilipino, nais naming ang kampanyang ito ay maging daan tungo sa mas malusog na kinabukasan,' said Maguad. (As advocates for the Filipino youth, we want this campaign to help shape a healthier future.) The organizers urge communities, schools, and local governments to support efforts to combat the growing influence of the tobacco industry on the country's youth. — BAP, GMA Integrated News
