SAMAR Rep. Reynolds Michael Tan urged the House Committees on Health and Trade to prioritize the Healthy Food Marketing Environment Bill through a hearing before the end of the 19th Congress.

The proposed law seeks to mandate food warning labels and regulate child-directed food marketing to protect Filipinos from heart disease and childhood obesity.

Tan emphasized the urgency of passing the bill, aligning with the conclusion of Philippine Heart Month and World Obesity Day.

“Through this law, Filipinos will have the power to protect their families and children from illness,” Tan, principal author of House Bill No. 9819, said.

“I urge my fellow lawmakers to support this health measure and secure better health for all Filipinos,” he added.

HB 9819 seeks to mandate front-of-pack warning labels on pre-packaged food products to help consumers quickly identify foods high in fats, salt, and sugar. This will guide them in avoiding products that may be harmful to their health.

The policy also aims to promote responsible food marketing by introducing regulations on child-targeted advertisements for foods with warning labels.