Should Sodas and Sugary Drinks be Banned in Schools?
Recently I attended a healthy beverage fete, dubbed as “Juice Party” hosted by Fly Ace Corporation, a leading food and beverage consumer goods company, in support of the Healthy Beverages Options Act 4021 of the Philippines.
Fly Ace Corporation’s ready to drink brands Rauch Happy Day, Old Orchard, Mott’s, Welch’s, and Jolly Fresh guarantee healthy drinking and covers the daily requirement of packed vitamins and minerals through their 100% juice and nectar variants.
Authored by Camarines Sur Congresswoman Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo and Dinagat Islands Rep. Arlene “Kaka” Bag-ao, House Bill 4021 or Healthy Beverage Options Act insists on the need for the regulation of the availability of beverages to children in schools.
Studies show that consumption of high sugar drinks results in metabolic diseases such as:
– Weight gain / Risk of being overweight and obesity
– Diabetes
– Colorectal cancer
– Heart disease
– Risk of stroke
Also, it was discussed during the juice party that when kids consume much sodas and sugary drinks, it will eventually result in, insufficient calcium, impaired calcification of growing bones, increased risk of bone fracture, behavioral problems, aggression, attention problems and even withdrawal behavior to name a few.
The bill applies to persons, institutions and entities that provide basic education (Kinder, elem, highschools, ALS (alternative learning system) and prohibits provision and selling of:
1. soft drinks, sport drinks, punches and iced teas,
2. fruit-based drink which are less than 50% real fruit juice,
3. fruit-based drinks with additional sweeteners,
4. drinks containing caffeine.
It also encourages provision or selling of:
1. water
2. fruit juice with at least 50% real fruit juice content
3. low- or fat-free milk and calcium fortified milk.
Aside form this, if this bill will push through, schools shall also be required to provide free potable water as well as incorporate in the curriculum lessons on the effects of unhealthy food and drinks. Hmmmmm what do you think?
Fly Ace Corporation Marketing Manager Ritchie Conde shared the objectives of the Juice Party in her opening remarks, ”With this Juice Party, we aim to raise awareness on the different types of juice – some juice are healthy and some, while perceived to be healthy, are actually not. By doing this, we hope to educate our consumers to make better choices that will lead to better health.”
FAC Executive Vice President for Sales and Marketing Larry Cochanco, FAC Product Manager Jasmine Capule, FAC Marketing Manager Teresa Conde, Congresswoman Leni Robredo, Daniel “Chip” Gatmaytan, Multiple Intelligence International School’s Founding Directress May Joy Abaquin and FAC President Jun Cochanco
Board Member of the Philippine Association of Nutritionists Professor Luchie Callanta RND discussed the health benefits of drinking fruit juice. Oranges helps build a stronger immune system and helps prevent cancer. Dark grapes lower cholesterol and increase the skin’s collagen strength. Cranberries have natural antioxidants and rid infection in the urinary tract while plum juice has numerous heart and gastrointestinal benefits.
Daniel “Chip” Gatmaytan and Philippine Association of Nutritionists Professor Luchie Callanta RND
Guest Speaker Congresswoman Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo shared the history of the bill which started as a plea from Daniel “Chip” Gatmaytan who was also present in the event. The young student at Multiple Intelligence School was lobbying for the bill since 2011. If the bill passes, Congresswoman Robredo cited the participation of DepEd and DOH to work hand in hand to formulate and promulgate the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the law. She mentioned that a lot of schools in the country do not even provide water which is the most important fluid for the body.
Congresswoman Leni Robredo and Fly Ace Corporation President Jun Cochanco
Trade partners, the media, and global principals were greeted with a citrus scent upon entering the venue at Annabel’s in Tomas Morato. Overflowing fruit juices were served with Fly Ace Corporation’s 100% fruit juice brands Rauch Happy Day, Old Orchard, Mott’s, Welch’s, and Jolly Fresh.
Fly Ace Corporation Product Manager Jasmine Capule imparts, “The Juice Party event is just the start of our support to the bill. We will support the bill through educational campaigns in schools, partnership with hospitals and by continuously participating in health and awareness campaigns about 100% juices.”
A glass of fruit juice a day surely goes a long way in ensuring a healthier life. Make it a habit, and share it to others. The Healthy Beverages Options Act 4021 ensures that our children do the same in school.
100% Fruit juices Rauch Happy Day, Old Orchard, Mott’s, Welch’s, and Jolly Fresh are available in all supermarkets nationwide. Visit www.flyacecorp.com for more details.
What do you think about the proposed Healthy Beverages Options Act 4021 by Congresswoman Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo and Dinagat Islands Rep. Arlene “Kaka” Bag-ao??
Should Sodas and Sugary Drinks be Banned in Schools?
We would love to hear your thoughts.
