Due to fat content: PB member wants chicharon warning

CEBU, Philippines – The crunchy chicharon, crispy fried pork rind, has taken centerstage with the proposal of Cebu Provincial Board Member Arleigh Jay Sitoy to require those who make the delicacy for commercial consumption to reflect the nutritional component and to place appropriate health warnings on the product packaging.

This proposal has been tagged illogical by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

She said that a healthy lifestyle is always a matter of choice and chicharon is not the only food which contains fat.

"I must admit at first I laughed. Amusing as it was to think about the danger of eating chicharon and I don't know what medical data provincial board member Sitoy has that he only singled out chicharon as detrimental for having a high fat content," Garcia said.

Sitoy's resolution states that the popular Cebuano chicharon, an all time favorite, but nevertheless fat-laden and high in cholesterol, is one such food item that should be consumed with extreme caution to reduce the risk of heart diseases and some forms of cancer associated with the excessive consumption of fats and bad cholesterol.

According to Sitoy the proposed ordinance is to advance the right to health of the constituents of the Province of Cebu and to promote health consciousness.

But the governor sees concern since chicharon is an industry which the Municipality of Cacar is known for.

"On second thought I got concerned since many peoples' lives depend on that particular chicharon industry," she said.

She added that being concerned on people's health, he should have included hamburger, humba, or even lechon.

"Atong pastampahan ang kada baboy nga e-lechon, butangan og 'Detrimental To Your Health.'

"The idea itself is discriminatory to our own industry and it defies logic and I must speak out in defense of chicharon."

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Cebu recognizes that the placing of warning labels on the packaging of chicharon products as an effective way to communicate the health risks of the consumption of item.

The warning label should be visibly printed on the packaging material and should indicate an advice against the health hazards associated with excessive consumption of food which are high in fats and cholesterol such as chicharon.

Republic Act No. 7394, otherwise known as the Consumer Protection Act, also includes in our right to health, the right to obtain accurate health-related education and information on the nature, quality and quantity of the contents of consumer products.

If the proposed ordinance will be passed for implementation, violators will face a penalty of P5,000 and a one year imprisonment.

Meanwhile, the governor said that accusations of corruption in relation to Capitol's providing pack lunches for the media is like casting judgment on the character and the stories of the reporters covering the beat.

This is in relation to the film presentation on Media Corruption, which was shown thrice during various events in relation to the Press Freedom Week celebration last week.

"I think first of all that is the most unfair accusation that any member of media can hurl against Capitol and against fellow members. Whenever corruption in media is mentioned they are always pinpointing the Capitol," Garcia said.

She said the issue has been brought up several times even during her first term as a governor and thus she dares media personnel to apply their investigative skills before making a big fuss on the issue.

"If that is corruption that is the most open corruption that you have seen, we do not hide the pack lunches and try to smuggle it into your handbags because that is the only way that we can show that we do value the Cebuano trait of being hospitable and also continue to display our humanity.

"We do not push envelops to somebody's pocket or give freebies to high ranking members of media for the hope to be given favorable reviews."

She added that the Capitol will continue to serve pack lunches to anyone and everyone who happens to be at the office during lunch time as long as she is the governor. - /NLQ (FREEMAN)