Bacolod City (CNN Philippines) — Some private and public schools in Bacolod City have implemented the banning of junk food and soft drinks, as well as other sugar-laden drinks, to kindergarten and elementary students.
According to Dr. Ma. Carmela Gensoli, Bacolod City health officer, the schools wanted to “discipline and educate students about the harmful effects of soft drinks and other unhealthy food.”
House Bill No. 4021, or the Healthy Beverage Options Act of 2014, authored by Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo and Dinagat Islands Rep. Arlene Bag-ao, would regulate the selling of soft drinks to students from preparatory to high school.
Under the bill, soft drinks, sports drinks, iced teas, and fruit-based drinks that contain less than 50% real fruit juice or additional sweeteners and caffeine will be discouraged.
