Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
HOUSEBILLNo.1016Z
Introduced by Representative Jaime R. Fresnedi
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The  proposed IVcz/z.oJ7cJ/ J#fegrczfed Obesz.ty  Co#/ro/ .4c/ aims  to  address  the  pressing
issue of obesity in the Philippines through the establishment of a comprehensive prevention
and management program, otherwise known as the IVczfz.o77cy/ J#fegr¢/cc7 0besj.ty A4:cz#czgc"e77f
P7{ogr'c777j.  T1-Lis pi-oposed bill, througl-I ti-Le prograj-I-I tl-Lat si-iall be established, -w-ill ei-icolripass a
range  of  activities  which  include  awareness  and  prevention  programs,  accessible  health
consultation and an extensive campaign on obesity prevention and management.
Obesity poses a great burden on the Philippine healthcare system as there are increased
cases of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and other obesity-associated illnesses. Most recently,
the COVID-19 pandemic greatly threatened those living with these comorbidities as they were
more likely to be hospitalized if tested positive for the said virus. According to recent data, the
prevalence of obesity  in the country has  shown a concerning upward trend as a significant
number of the population has exceeded the recommended body mass index (BMI) of 18.5 to
24.9. This is considerably alarming as BMI is defined as the measurement of body fat based on
the height and weight of an individual.
Around  27  million  of our  fellow Filipinos  are  overweight and  obese  based  on the
Department of Science and Technology's Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI).
The statistics have also doubled from 20.2% in 1998 to 36.6% in 2019 of overweight and obese
adults.  Among   adolescents,   prevalence   rates   were   4.9%   in   2003   and   11.6%   in   2018.
Furthermore, the economic impact of obesity on healthcare costs, productivity and overall well-
being of our citizens highlights the need for a targeted and strategic approach to address this
escalating public health issue.
The urgency  of this matter cannot be  overstated as the long-term well-being of the
rLatiorL is at stake. Through the erLactmeri_t of tlt`iis law, we commit to forging a path towards a
healthier nation where the right to health is not just protected but actively promoted for the
benefit of generations to come.
Lone District, Muntinlupa City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO.
10162.
Introduced by Rep. Jaime R. Fresnedi
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE MANAGEMENT AND PREVENTION OF OBESITY AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be  it  enacted by  the  Senate  and the  House  of Representatives  Of the  Philippines  in
Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Sfoor/ rz.//e. -  This Act shall be known as the  "IVcz/z.o77cr/ J73/egrc7Jec7 0bcsz.ty
Management Act" .
Sec. 2. Dec/¢rczfz.oJ7 o/Po/z.c};. -Recognizing that obesity is one of the leading causes
of long term illnesses in the Philippines, the State shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive
approach   to    health    development    which    includes    the    strengthening    of   integrative,
multidisciplinary, patient and family centered policies, programs, systems, interventions and
services at all levels of the existing health care delivery system.
Towards this end, the State shall endeavor to prevent obesity and promote anti-obesity
prevalence by scaling up essential programs and increasing investments for robust prevention
of obesity-associated illnesses, prompt and accurate diagnosis, timely and optimal treatment.
See.   3.   National   Integrated   Obesity   Management   Program.   -Tt[ere   ±s  bereky
established a National Integrated Obesity Control Program which shall serve as the framework
for all anti-obesity related activities of the government. The program shall have the following
objectives:
(a)  Decrease the overall mortality and impact of all occurrences of adult and childhood
obesity;
(b) Lessen the incidence of preventable obesity in adults and children;
(c)  Provide timely access to optimal obesity-related services like counselling, access to
nutritionists, dieticians and behavioral therapists, among others.
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Obcsz.fy  refers  to  an  excess  proportion  of total  body  fat  usually  diagnosed  when  a
person's weight is at least twenty percent (20%) more than his or her normal or ideal weight.
It is usually measured in body mass index (BMI) and is affected by, but not limited to, age,
gender,  genetics,  environmental  factors, physical  activity,  psychological  factors,  illness and
medication.
See. 5 . National Integrated Obesity Management Council. -There is hereky created al
National Integrated Obesity Control Council, hereinafter referred to as the Council, which shall
act as the policy making, planning and coordinating body on obesity control, attached to the
Department of Health (DOH). The Council shall provide technical guidance and support and
oversee the implementation of this Act, ensuring judicious and best use of available resources
for the benefit of all,  especially the most vulnerable  sectors of society, the elderly, women,
children, the poor, marginalized and disadvantaged.
Sec. 6. Composj-/I-o# a/#ze Co##cz.J. -The Council shall be composed of the following:
(a) The Secretary of Health, or a designated representative, with a rank not lower than
assistant secretary, as chairperson in an ex ojj7}cJ.o capacity;
(b) A vice chairperson, who shall be elected by the non ex oJ?jj?cz.a members, from among
themselves, and who shall serve for a term of three (3) years;
(c) E)c oj7j7}cz.a members consisting of the following:
(1)    Secretary    of   Social    Welfare    and    Development,    or    a   designated
representative;
(2) Secretary of Education, or a designated representative;
(3)   Secretary   of  the   Interior   and   Local   Govemlnent,   or   a   designated
representative;
(4) President and Chief Executive Officer of the Philippine Health Insurance
Corporation (PhilHealth) or a designated representative;
(5)  Director  General  of  the  Food  and  Drug  Administration  (FDA),  or  a
designated representative ;
(d)  Two  (2)  medical  doctors,  who  must  be  citizens  and  residents  of  the
Philippines, of good moral character, of recognized probity and independence,
have   distinguished   themselves   professionally   in  public,   private,   civic   or
academic service in the field of medicine and nutrition, and must have been in
the active practice of their professions for at least ten (10) years, chosen from at
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least five (5) persons recommended by the Secretary of Health, to be appointed
by the President for a term of three (3) years; and
(e) Three (3) representatives from obesity-focused patient support organizations
and advocacy network, to be appointed by the President for a term of three (3)
years ffom the list of organizations and advocacy network recommended by the
Secretary of Health.
The Council shall utilize the services and facilities of the Disease Prevention
and Control Bureau under the DOH as the Secretariat of the Council.
The non ex oJ7jj}cJ.a members may receive honoraria in accordance with existing
laws, rules and regulations.
Sec.  7. JZo/es  ¢7?c7 Fai#cfz.o72s.   - The  Council  shall  formulate  policies,  programs  and
reforms that enhance the synergy among stakeholders and ensure a well-coordinated, effective
and  sustainable  implementation  of the  provisions  of this Act.  It  shall,  as  necessary,  create
experts' groups or technical working groups to undertake any of the following key tasks:
(a)  Develop  integrated  and  responsive  obesity  management  policies  and  programs
tailored to the socioeconomic context and epidemiological profiles of the Philippines which
aim to address obesity prevalence, make obesity care more accessible and affordable, expand
obesity care to include the whole continuum of care, promote integrated, multidisciplinary,
developmentally appropriate patient and family-centered care, and enhance the well-being and
quality of life of obesity patients and their families;
(b) Develop the National Integrated Obesity Management roadmap with annual targets,
priorities  and  performance  benchmarks,  for  the  effective  institutionalization  of strategies,
policies, programs and services in the national and local health care system;
(c) Develop, update and promote, evidence-based treatment standards and guidelines
for all adult and childhood occurrences of obesity;
(d) Develop irmovative and cost-effective obesity care service models for effectively
delivering integrated obesity care;
(e)  Set  quality  and  accreditation  standards  for  health  service  facilities,  health  care
providers, medical professionals and allied health care professionals;
(I) Recommend responsive and proactive medicine access programs;
(g)   Establish  mechanisms   and  platforms   for  multisectoral   and  multistakeholder
collaboration,   coordination,   and   cooperation,   especially   in   health   promotion,   disease
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prevention,   capacity   development9   education,   training   and   leaming,   information   and
communication, social mobilization and resource mobilization;
(h)   Strengthen   linkages   with   local   and   intemational   organizations   for  possible
partnerships in treatment and management of challenging and rare cases, education, training
and learning, advocacy, research, resource mobilization and funding assistance;
(i) Institute the provision of child life services in all appropriate hospitals and facilities;
a)  Establish  a  system  for progran review,  monitoring  and  evaluation,  inclusive  of
financial aspects, and submit an annual report and recommendation to the Secretary of Health
on the progress, accomplishments and implementation challenges encountered; and
(k)  Secure from government agencies and other stakeholders, recommendations and
plans  pertinent  to  the  respective  mandates  of the  agencies  and  other  stakeholders  for the
implementation of the provisions of this Act.
Sec.  8. PeJ`so##e/ CoJxp/e7"eJ7/.  - To ensure the effective implementation of this Act,
the  following  government  agencies,  which  shall jointly  implement  the  IVc7/z.o#cz/ J#fegrc7/ec7
0besz.ty A4lcr#oge773e77f Prog7-cz7#,  shall be tasked to:
(a)  Department of Health;
1.   Stimulate  the  development,   improvement  and  implementation  of  new
strategies  and  interventions  to  improve  our understanding  of obesity,  its
causes and its effects;
2.   Design  projects  and  studies  to  help  identify  ways  to  better  describe  the
impact of obesity and reduce medical complications;
3.   Coordinate  with  the  DepEd  in  the  development  of  appropriate  health
education strategy to inform the public on obesity prevention and control.
(b) Barangay and other LGUs;
1.   Allocate funds for the implementation of the National Integrated Obesity
Management Program within their locality; and
2.   Enact additional local ordinances that will support the National Integrated
Obesity  Management  Program  and  initiate  programs  in  which  should
include awareness campaign and other preventive measures.
(c)  Department of Education;
1.    Strengthen    anti-obesity    education    programs    through    school    health
teaching/curriculum;
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2.   Encourage collaborative activities and information-sharing with the DOH,
DILG, DepEd, NGOs, POs and other concerned sectors;
3.   Integrate proper information and education in the relevant subjects in the
Elementary and High School levels, and
4.   Implement other preventive actions that the DOH may provide.
Sec. 9. Ccrpczcz.ty Dave/ap773e72/.  - The DOH, in collaboration with anti-obesity focused
professional   societies,   LGUs   leagues,   and   LGU-based   health   associations,   academic
institutions, public health organizations, and the private sector, shall formulate, implement and
update capacity development program for all health care workers providing anti-obesity care
service and support at all levels of the health care delivery system.
See.  10. IVcz/I.o77czJ 1473/z.-Obesz.fy 4wczre#ess Ccz7#poz.gr.  -It is hereby mandated that there
shall be a National Anti-Obesity Prevention and Management Program to be implemented by
a multi-agency or multi-sectoral committee chaired by the Department of Health. The progran
shall be a multi-agency effort in controlling and preventing obesity in the country. Among its
component activities include :
1)   Awareness and prevention programs;
2)   Provisions for consultation at the nearest health centers; and
3)   Conduct of information and education campaign on the prevention and control of
obesity.
The program shall be implemented by the Department of Health (DOH), Department of
Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Education (DepEd), as well as Local
Government Units (LGUs).
Sec. 11. IVcIJz.o#cz/ 06es;.fy zlwczre#ess n4o#ffo.  -The month of September of every year shall
be known as the "National Obesity Awareness Month" throughout the Philippines. The DOH,
in collaboration with LGUs, anti-obesity focused professional societies, academic iustitutious,
shall lead the observance of National Obesity Awareness Month.
See.12. Health  Education and Promotion in Schools,  Colleges,  and Universities.  -The
CHED and the Department of Education, in coordination with the DOH, shall develop policies
and provide technical guidance to academic institutions and administrators to:
(a) Promote and facilitate integration of age appropriate and gender sensj tr.ve key messages
on obesity  risk factors,  early  waming  signs  and  symptoms  of adult obesity  and  childhood
obesity, obesity prevention and control, and adoption of healthy lifestyles and healthy diets in
their curiculum, health and wellness programs, and co-curricular activities;
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(b)  Undertake  mainstreaming  of  practical  supportive  care  and  psychosocial  support
programs for people living with obesity and their family members, especially those who act as
carers for obese patients; and
(c)  Adopt  initiatives  that  minimize  or  eliminate  stigma  and  discrimination  in  schools,
colleges, and universities that are experienced by people with obesity, obesity survivors and
their families.
See.13. Health Education and Promotion in the Workylace.  -I:he Depeutment o£ LatoLtoor
and  Employment  (DOLE),  Civil  Service  Commission,  and  Technical  Education  and  Skills
Development Authority,  in coordination with the DOH,  shall  develop policies and provide
technical guidance to employers, employees associations, and unions to:
(a)  Promote  and  facilitate  integration of gender  sensitive  key  messages  on  obesity  risk
factors,  early  waming  signs  and symptoms  of adult obesity  and childhood obesity,  obesity
prevention and control, adoption of healthy lifestyles and healthy diets, in their communication
initiatives, health and wellness programs, and employee development programs;
(b)  Undertake  mainstreaming  of practical   supportive  care  and  psychosocial  support
programs for people living with obesity and their fanily members;
(c) Integrate appropriate obesity services in their health services and clinics; and
(d) Develop programs, initiatives or mechanisms that shall minimize or eliminate stigma
and discrimination in the workplace that is experienced by people living with obesity and their
families.
Sec. 14. fJecz/ffe Ed#c¢/I.o# o7?c7Promorz.o# I.7? Cormm2{7"./I.e£.  -The Department of the Interior
and Local Goverrment (DILG) and LGUs, in collaboration with the DOH central and regional
offices, local obesity focused patient support organizations and obesity focused professional
societies,  shall  lead  the  health  education  and  promotion  campaign  in  local  communities,
including  out-of-school  youth.  The  DILG,  in  coordination  with the  Department  of Social
Welfare and Development (DSWD), shall conduct and promote age appropriate and gender
sensitive obesity -focused health education.
Sec.15. IVo7?c7iscrz.mz.7?c7/I.o77.  -The  appropriate  government  agencies  shall  ensure  that
people living with obesity are free from any form of discrimination in school, workplace and
community.
Sec.  16. 47c7?wcz/ Raporf.  -The Secretary  of Health shall  submit to the Committees on
Health of the Senate and the House of Representatives an annual report on the progress of the
implementation of this Act.
Sec. 17. <4pprap7.z.ct/z.o#s. - The amount needed for the initial implementation of this Act,
including maintenance and other operating expenses of the National Integrated Obesity Control
Program shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of the DOH.
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For the  succeeding  years,  the  amount allocated for the National  Integrated  Obesity
Control Program in the DOH budget shall be based on strategic plan formulated by the Council,
in coordination with other stakeholders.  The amount should be in the National Expenditure
Program (NEP) as basis for the General Apprbpriations Act.
See.  +8. Implementing Rules  and Regulations. -W±thirL ninety  (90)  days  from the
approval of this Act, the Secretary of Health, in consultation with the Philippine Association
for  the  Study  of  Overweight  and  Obesity,  Inc.  and  other  concerned  stakeholders,  shall
promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.
Sec.19.Sapczrczbz./z.ty    C/crzjs'e. -If   any    provision    of   this    Act    is    declared
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall remain
in full force and effect.
Sec.  20. RepeczJz.72g  CJczwb'e.   -All  laws,  presidential  decrees  or  issuances,  executive
orders, letters of instruction, administrative orders, rules or regulations inconsistent with the
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
Sec. 21. Ejj7recfz.w.ty.  -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the q¢icz.c7/ Gczzc//e or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
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