Anti-obesity program in schools sought

MANILA, Philippines - A lawmaker is now pushing for the mandatory inclusion of anti-obesity program in the curricula of public and private pre-school, elementary and high schools.

Las Pinas City Rep. Mark Villar said the Anti-Obesity Education Program contained in House Bill 4314 seeks to provide a definitive approach to physical education to arrest the increasing number of obese Filipino children.

"Obesity has become a problem for our Filipino children.  The deadly combination of eating calorie-rich foods and sedentary lifestyle due to advancement in technology are plaguing Filipino children.  Children tend to be less physically active as they spend more time in front of the television, watching movies or playing video games," Villar said.

He said the problem of obesity must be addressed because obesity not only increases health risks but reduces life expectancy as well. 

"Potentially fatal conditions associated with obesity include Type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, cancers and gall bladder disease," Villar said.

Villar said by including the anti-obesity program in the curricula, the children would be educated on the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle.  

"Experts agree that an effective solution to obesity is a healthy lifestyle and exercise," Villar said.

Under the bill, pre-school, kindergarten and elementary students shall have 200 minutes of physical activity for ten days, while high school students shall have 30 minutes of physical activity daily.  They shall also receive instructions in healthy eating habits and good nutrition.

The physical education program for pre-school and kindergarten shall be designed to help children to work and play with others, to express themselves and to learn to use and manage their bodies.

For elementary pupils, physical education shall include movement experiences and body mechanics, fitness and rhythmic activities, increased cardiovascular endurance muscular strength and sports and games.

For high school students, physical education shall include activities that increase cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength and flexibility and sports and games.

The school shall appoint Sports Director to oversee the implementation of the program.  The school shall likewise crate, maintain and develop necessary and suitable sport facilities and equipment for practicing and engaging in physical activities and sports.

Exempted from the mandatory anti-obesity program are students who are already engaged in extracurricular activities sanctioned by the schools.