President Marcos Calls to Open Parks for Active Living
MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has urged local governments to open and maintain parks within their areas to encourage more Filipinos to embrace an active lifestyle and combat obesity. This call comes as part of the government’s efforts to promote health and wellness nationwide.
During his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, Marcos highlighted various initiatives, including feeding programs for students spearheaded by government agencies. Yet, he emphasized the growing challenge of obesity, noting the rising numbers of Filipinos becoming overweight due to sedentary habits.
“Sa kabilang banda naman, nakikita natin ang sobrang pagtaas naman ng timbang ng ating mga kababayang edad dalawampu at pataas. Kaya sikapin natin maging mas aktibo ang ating pamumuhay araw-araw, ipalaganap natin ang mga pagsasagawa ng mga palaro, ng mga paliga, fun run, fun walk, pati mga aerobics, pa-zumba,” Marcos said.
(On the other hand, we have seen a sharp rise in the number of people aged 20 and above who are overweight. That’s why we must strive to have a more active lifestyle, let us advocate for the holding of games, sport leagues, fun run, fun walk, aerobics, and zumba dance classes.)
Encouraging Community Spaces for Exercise
President Marcos specifically called on local government units (LGUs) to open parks and plazas and keep them inviting so that citizens of all ages can use these spaces for exercise and recreation.
“Para sa mga LGU, buksan at gawing maaliwalas ang mga park at mga plaza natin kung saan makakapag-ensayo ang ating mga mamamayan, bata man o matanda,” he added.
(For LGUs, let us open and turn parks and plazas into pleasant areas so that Filipinos can workout, regardless of age.)
He also proposed the expansion of car-free Sundays, a program already in place in several metropolitan areas that allows people to jog or walk safely along streets usually crowded with vehicles.
“Magpatupad tayo ng mga car-free Sunday tulad ng ginagawa sa ilang lungsod na dito sa Metro Manila sa Baguio, sa Cebu, pati sa Iloilo at Davao,” Marcos stated.
(We will implement car-free Sundays like what cities here in Metro Manila, in Baguio, in Cebu, and in Iloilo and Davao are doing.)
Additionally, the Philippine Sports Commission will open its track and field ovals in Pasig, Manila, and Baguio for public use, providing safe spaces for jogging free of charge.
“Bilang pagsuporta dito, 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. Magbubuhos tayo ng todo-suporta sa mga palaro at mga atleta sa buong bansa,” he added.
(To support this, starting today, the Philippine Sports Commission will open to the public their track and field oval in Pasig, Manila, and Baguio so that you can jog for free. We will place support for games and for our athletes across the country.)
Obesity Trends and Health Outlook
Recent data from global health sources revealed that about 38 percent of Filipino adults have a high Body Mass Index (BMI), signaling increasing rates of overweight and obesity. Projections estimate that by 2030, around 34.12 million Filipinos will have elevated BMIs.
Experts have warned that this rising trend is likely to continue over the next two decades. A leading local obesity specialist noted that the number of overweight and obese Filipinos will keep growing unless active lifestyle changes are widely adopted.
Despite these challenges, there is optimism as the Philippines’ wellness tourism sector has shown remarkable growth. It is now valued at $43.3 billion and ranks eighth among 45 Asia-Pacific countries in terms of recovery and resilience after the pandemic.
These developments suggest a growing public interest in health and wellness, aligning with the government’s push for more physical activity and better nutrition across all communities.
For more news and updates on obesity and wellness, visit Filipinokami.com.
