COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Education and health officials in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao have agreed to ban the sale of “junk food” inside campuses of state-run schools.
“This is to ensure that pre-schoolers in the region grow up stronger and healthier by patronizing tropical fruits and other native delicacies considered more nutritious," Baratucal Caudang, ARMM Education secretary, said.
Regional Health Secretary Kadil Sinolinding Jr. said he strongly endorsed Caudang's directive to ban the sale of snacks loaded with preservatives in schools in Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Marawi City, provinces that constitute the ARMM.
Sinolinding said he has directed the National Nutrition Council to help in the regionwide drive by imposing sanctions on school violators.
Both Caudang and Sinolinding believe that "quality education" among the young includes "proper nutrition and health care." (report from Charlie Señase, Inquirer Mindanao)
