Anti-obesity program for students sought

A lawmaker is pushing for the mandatory inclusion of anti-obesity program in the curricula of
public and private pre-school, elementary and high schools to promote healthy lifestyle among
Filipino children.
Rep. Mark Villar !one "istrict, !as #i$as %ity& said the Anti-'besity (ducation #rogram
contained in )ouse *ill +,-+ seeks to provide a definitive approach to physical education to arrest
the increasing number of obese Filipino children.
.'besity has become a problem for our Filipino children. /he deadly combination of eating
calorie-rich foods and sedentary lifestyle due to advancement in technology are plaguing Filipino
children. %hildren tend to be less physically active as they spend more time in front of the television,
watching movies or playing video games,0 Villar said.

/he problem must be addressed because obesity not only increases health risks but reduces
life e1pectancy as well, according to Villar.
.#otentially fatal conditions associated with obesity include /ype 2 diabetes, coronary heart
disease, cancers and gall bladder disease,0 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. .(1perts agree that an effective solution to
obesity is a healthy lifestyle and e1ercise,0 Villar said.
3nder the bill, pre-school, kindergarten and elementary students shall have 244 minutes of
physical activity for ten days, while high school students shall have ,4 minutes of physical activity
daily. /hey shall also receive instructions in healthy eating habits and good nutrition.
/he physical education program for pre-school and kindergarten shall be designed to help
children to work and play with others, to e1press themselves and to learn to use and manage their
bodies.
For elementary pupils, physical education shall include movement e1periences 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 fle1ibility and sports and games.
/he school shall appoint 5ports "irector to oversee the implementation of the program. /he
school shall likewise crate, maintain and develop necessary and suitable sport facilities and
e6uipment for practicing and engaging in physical activities and sports.
(1empted from the mandatory anti-obesity program are students who are already engaged in
e1tracurricular activities sanctioned by the schools. ,4& mrs
NR # 3495B
JUNE 12, 2014