DAVAO CITY – The Davao City Council approved on third and final reading major health ordinances aimed at improving nutritional standards, increasing transparency in food products, and promoting healthier dietary choices here.

Councilor Rachel Zozobrado, chairperson of the Committee on Migrant Workers and Internal Relations, confirmed the city will soon implement the major health ordinances during the Pulong-Pulong sa Dabawenyos media forum on Tuesday, June 2.

The first measure, the Front-of-Package Nutritional Information, requires food manufacturers, retailers, and food establishments to provide clear nutritional information on packaging and menus, ensuring greater transparency for consumers.

It includes calorie counts, sugar, sodium, and fat content, as well as food safety warnings for products high in critical nutrients linked to diet-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions.

The second, the Healthy Food Procurement Ordinance of Davao City, requires the city government to prioritize healthier food options when buying food. It also limits the promotion and availability of unhealthy food products in government offices and other public service areas.

"We are very happy to confirm that it has passed on the third and final reading, and it will now go through the city legal review to check for any infirmities, and if there are none, we will endorse both ordinances for the city mayor's signature," Zozobrado said.

Once signed, Zozobrado said, the ordinance will proceed to the drafting of its implementing rules and regulations, which will guide enforcement. She added that the City Health Office and City Nutrition Office have been directed to help formulate the guidelines.

Zozobrado added that stakeholders, including food manufacturers and establishments, have requested clarifying meetings to better understand the measure ahead of full implementation, particularly on compliance requirements, timelines, and enforcement guidelines.

Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, chairman of the Committee on Cooperative Development and People's Participation and co-author of the two health ordinances, said both measures aim to address rising concerns about non-communicable diseases.

According to earlier discussions among council members, including Committee on Health head Councilor Trisha Ann Villafuerte, to ensure a smooth rollout, implementation will be done in phases, starting with large food establishments before the micro, small, and medium enterprises.

The city has secured technical support from national agencies, including the National Nutrition and Food Technology Council, the Department of Health, the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology, and the Food and Drug Administration.

Zozobrado clarified that the policy won’t restrict consumer choice but to ensure informed decision-making. "This is not about depriving people of the food they want, but about giving them clear information so they can choose healthier options," she said.