Taytay passes landmark ordinance to protect children's health

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 Taytay Councilors partner with law group ImagineLaw to advance a policy measure that protects children in the municipality from harmful food advertisements. Ordinance No. 2307-036 or ‘An Ordinance to Protect Children from the Harmful Impacts of Food and Beverage Marketing passed the final reading on January 17.

The local government of Taytay, Rizal yesterday passed an ordinance that restricts child-targeted marketing of ultra-processed food and beverages within the municipality, in a bid to protect children from obesity and other diet-related health risks.

Ordinance No. 2307-036 or An Ordinance to Protect Children from the Harmful Impacts of Food and Beverage Marketing’, introduced by Councilor John Tobit Cruz, prohibits advertisements of food high in fat, salt, or sugar, in child-centered settings such as school zones, playgrounds, parks, and family mall areas.

"This is a win for children’s health,” said Tobit Cruz during the final reading of the ordinance. “We commit to creating an environment where our children can grow up healthy and easily pursue healthy eating habits, starting with this policy,” Cruz added.

Exposure of children to advertisements featuring ultra-processed food is linked to the increased consumption of such foods and associated risks of obesity, according to a study by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

“We laud Taytay for being the first municipality to advance this landmark health policy. This measure aligns with the broader national and global efforts to combat childhood obesity and promote healthier lifestyles among children,” said Atty. Sophia San Luis, Executive Director of ImagineLaw, the local government’s partner in drafting the ordinance.

One in every seven Filipino school-aged children is obese or overweight, according to a 2021 study of the Department of Science and Technology Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI).


“We hope that this policy serves as a model for other municipalities and cities seeking to protect the health of their children,” she added.


Local task force to end harmful food and beverage marketing to children

To enforce the ordinance, a local task force of Taytay government officials will be formed to focus on monitoring food and beverage advertisements within the municipality, and assisting establishments to comply with the new regulations.

Violators of the ordinance will face a fine of PhP 2,500.00 and will be required to take down advertisements that violate the regulations.

The task force will also lead efforts to assist the community to promote healthier food choices among children and families.

“Taytayeños can anticipate more proactive and sustainable programs that prioritize children’s health through this policy win,” Coun. Cruz added.

Scents of caution: BAN Toxics alert on imitation and counterfeit perfumes and fragrances

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Toxic watchdog group BAN Toxics is issuing a public warning about the rampant sale of imitation and counterfeit perfumes and fragrances in the market, cautioning consumers against potential health risks associated with the chemicals in these products.

In a recent market monitoring effort, the group documented ambulant vendors peddling cheap imitated perfumes and fragrances priced between P50 to P180. These counterfeit perfumes closely mimic the packaging and labels of well-known brands, making them appealing to consumers.

Perfume and beauty products rank second as the most counterfeited goods in the Philippines next to apparel in 2022, according to the total reports and complaints received by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines.

Thony Dizon, Toxics Campaigner of BAN Toxics, emphasized the risks associated with purchasing cosmetic products with fragrances lacking proper authorization, stating, “Buying perfume and fragrances that have not undergone proper authorization is not only too risky but may expose consumers to harmful substances lurking in the products.”

According to information sourced from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep® Cosmetic Database, the term “fragrance” on the label of cosmetics products conceals an undisclosed mixture of various scent chemicals and ingredients of 3,163 known chemicals. Notably, phthalates, octoxynols, and nonoxynols are highlighted as particularly toxic. Phthalates, commonly used as solvents and stabilizers in perfumes, are identified as potent hormone disruptors linked to birth defects in baby boys. Octoxynols and nonoxynols can break down into persistent hormone disruptors as well.

Potential hazards may arise from ingredients prohibited in cosmetic products or from contamination by heavy metals. The use of substandard and possibly adulterated cosmetic products may lead to adverse reactions such as skin irritation, itchiness, anaphylactic shock, and organ failure.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued health advisories against using unauthorized cosmetic products such as perfumes, cautioning consumers against purchasing and using them. The agency emphasizes that products bypassing the notification process prevent its ability to guarantee their quality and safety, potentially exposing consumers to health risks.

“As part of our safe cosmetics campaign, we’re committed to monitoring and reporting the unauthorized sale of unregistered and unnotified personal care products in both on-site and online markets. To protect human health and the environment from chemical exposure is our advocacy,” Dizon added.

In a letter sent to the FDA, BAN Toxics urges the agency to conduct Post Marketing Surveillance and testing on imitation and counterfeit perfumes and fragrances. Because of the dangers to the public, the group calls for the issuance of public health advisories and stringent enforcement actions to protect consumers from undisclosed health-damaging chemicals in fragrance products.



Meanwhile, the public is urged to verify whether a product has been notified with the FDA, using the FDA Verification Portal, accessible at https://verification.fda.gov.ph.



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References:

FDA Advisories:

https://www.fda.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/FDA-Advisory-No.2022-1187.pdf

https://www.fda.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/FDA-Advisory-No.2022-1670.pdf

Environmental Working Group:


https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/3163-ingredients-hide-behind-word-fragrance

https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/news/counterfeiting-and-piracy-reports-complaints-decline-in-2022/

Third edition of "Kapehan, Kuwentuhan sa Liwasan"

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In commemoration of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, the Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium hosted the third edition of "Kapehan, Kuwentuhan sa Liwasan" on December 1, 2023. At this event, Atty. Mark Arvill A. Villareal, Board Secretary and Legal Unit Head of the NPDC, led an enlightening discussion on the "Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995" and the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Memorandum Circular no. 11, 2021 Revised Administrative Disciplinary Rules on Sexual Harassment.

The program also acknowledged the talents of the featured young artist, Szechari Klyde H. Peñaranda, in the exhibit titled "Dreams in Canvas: A Play of Youthful Imaginations."

"Kapehan, Kuwentuhan sa Liwasan" is part of the NPDC's endorsed GAD Plans and Budget (GPB) for 2023, specifically addressing the gender issue/GAD mandate related to the "Limited knowledge of NPDC Personnel on the Laws Protecting Women and Upholding the Rights of Male and Female, Children, and their Families."

United for a VAW-free Philippines, the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) actively participates in the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, led by the Philippine Commission on Women. Embracing the theme "UNITEd for a VAW-free Philippines," the campaign encourages widespread support for advocating the prevention and elimination of VAW in the country. The NPDC has curated various activities for its employees and Rizal Park visitors to raise awareness, and details of these initiatives will be shared on our official social media pages.

Stay tuned for updates on our activities and join us in promoting a VAW-free.

In addition to the enlightening discussions and artistic recognitions, the NPDC has organized a bazaar as part of its activities during the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women. This bazaar stands out as it exclusively features products and services from all-female owners, providing a platform for women entrepreneurs to showcase their talents and contributions.

By highlighting businesses owned by women, the NPDC aims to empower and support female entrepreneurs while contributing to the overall campaign against violence towards women. This inclusive approach underscores the importance of economic empowerment as a key aspect of addressing gender-based violence.

Join us at the bazaar, where you can not only enjoy a variety of products and services but also actively support the cause of a VAW-free Philippines. Stay connected with our official social media pages for more details on this empowering event. #VAWfreePH #VowToEndVAW #SupportWomenEntrepreneurs