DOH Bicol Calls for Junk Food Ban Near Schools
LEGAZPI CITY — The Department of Health in Bicol (DOH-5) has urged local communities to enforce a junk food ban near schools to promote healthier eating habits among children. This call to action highlights the importance of restricting access to unhealthy snacks and sugary drinks close to educational institutions.
Dr. Gladys Escote, chief of DOH-5’s local health support division, emphasized the need for a clear policy that bans the sale of junk food, carbonated beverages, and sweetened juices near school areas. “We need the community’s help, and it starts with the barangay. We urge the council to assist us in our advocacy and health promotion, specifically in prohibiting junk food sales,” she said during a recent interview.
Barangay Councils Empowered to Enforce Junk Food Ban
Escote encouraged barangay councils to pass resolutions or policies that would restrict stores near schools from selling unhealthy food and drinks. With the support of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, each barangay can determine the appropriate distance from schools where these prohibitions should apply.
She clarified that the intent is not to harm the livelihood of local vendors but to prioritize children’s access to nutritious food options. “As a mother myself, I understand that when our children are at school, we often cannot monitor them. They might leave the school premises and look for food options. That’s where the community can step in and help, particularly our barangay council,” Escote added.
Community and Government Collaboration Vital for Success
The initiative calls for strong cooperation between communities and the government. Escote stressed that tackling food insecurity involves ensuring that youth do not have easy access to junk food and sugary drinks. “This is our call to action, not just to junk food vendors, but also to parents and students,” she said.
Moreover, stores near schools should receive proper training on food preparation and safety standards. The DOH assists local governments and rural health units by conducting seminars and workshops to help communicate these practices effectively at the barangay level.
Promoting Healthy Eating Habits in Bicol Schools
Health officials in Bicol remain committed to creating a safer food environment around schools. By banning junk food near schools and promoting nutritious alternatives, they aim to improve children’s health and well-being.
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