Health Advocates Launch Citizens’ Watchdog to Monitor Compliance

 QUEZON CITY – Health advocates on Monday celebrated the start of the effectivity of the ban on industrially-produced trans fatty acids or iTFA in pre-packaged and processed foods in the country. 

Issued in 2021, Department of Health (DOH) Administrative Order 2021-0039 and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Circular 2021-028 and 2021-028A gave food manufacturers until June 18, 2023 to reformulate and remove trans fatty acids or trans fat from their products or face sanctions. Today is the start of the ban. 

Products that are traditionally high in iTFA include margarine, coffee creamer, and baked goods such as donuts and cookies, among others. High intake of trans fatty acids or trans fat is a known cause of heart problems and cardiovascular diseases. 

“Today is a cause for celebration for Pinoy heart health,” said Dr. Luigi Segundo of the Philippine Heart Association (PHA) during a press conference with fellow health advocates in Quezon City. “This ban on trans fats will help improve health outcomes for Filipinos and protect consumers from the dangers of trans fats,” he added. Cardiovascular diseases remain the top killer of Filipinos according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. 

Group launches citizens watchdog, messenger hotline vs trans fats

In the same press conference, the group composed of lawyers, doctors, nutritionists, and consumers also launched Bantay Kontra Trans Fat as an initiative to foster compliance of food manufacturers and support DOH and FDA’s programs to eliminate trans fat. 

“We have to remain vigilant, empower consumers, and foster compliance,” said Atty. Sophia San Luis of public interest group ImagineLaw. “We will conduct a nationwide literacy campaign in reading packages and labels of food products and educate consumers on the dangers of other sources of trans fats,” she added. 

The group also launched the Trans Fat Free Philippines Facebook page as a messenger hotline for the public to access relevant information about trans fats and submit reports of possible non-compliance of food manufacturers to the DOH and FDA orders.

DICT To Host ASEAN Girls in ICT Policy Summit and PH Girls in ICT Day 2023

 DICT To Host ASEAN Girls in ICT Policy Summit and PH Girls in ICT Day 2023

May 24, 2023 - Quezon City, Metro Manila – The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will host next month the ASEAN Girls in ICT Policy Summit alongside with the Philippines Girls in ICT Day 2023 (GICT 2023).

GICT 2023 is set on June 8, while the ASEAN-wide policy summit will be on June 9, 2023, at Chardonnay by Astoria in Pasig City, Metro Manila and is supported by International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) in Asia and the Pacific and the Department of Trade and Foreign Affairs of the Australian Government.

These events are part of DICT's Digital Innovation for Women Advancement (DIWA) program, a forward-looking initiative aimed at promoting the role and value of young women and girls in the field of information and communications technology (ICT). This endeavor aligns with the ITU's decision in 2022 to promote Girls in ICT Day throughout the year, rather than as a one-day global event every fourth Thursday of April.

The Girls in ICT Day Philippines 2023 and the ASEAN Girls in ICT Policy Summit underscore the Philippines' commitment to fostering gender equality in the digital sphere. They will provide a crucial platform for young women and girls aged 12 to 24 to enhance their digital skills, access policymaking forums, and contribute meaningfully to the digital transformation and development in the region.

As part of the celebration of June as National ICT Month (NICTM) 2023, this two-day program will bring together a diverse range of participants, including keynote speakers, expert panelists, and innovative workshop leaders. These ICT experts will share their knowledge and insights, fostering an enriching environment for attendees to learn about the latest trends in ICT, network with like-minded individuals, and connect with potential mentors and role models.

"We are committed to increasing the participation and access of young women and girls in ICT. This event is a tremendous opportunity for them to enhance their digital skills, learn from experts in the field, and network with peers and potential mentors," said DICT Undersecretary Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, chair of the NICTM 2023 and convenor of DIWA.

Through this initiative, DICT aims to design more platforms and solutions to advance gender equality, expand the influence of women in ICT, and ensure that girls and young women play a vital role in the digital transformation of the region, Batapa-Sigue, who also the Philippine councilor to the ITU Council stressed.

The events are an important step towards a more inclusive digital future where women are not only participants but also leaders and innovators. They send a strong message to the global community about the essential role of young women and girls in shaping the digital landscape in the Philippines and beyond.

For more information about the Girls in ICT Day Philippines 2023 and ASEAN Girls in ICT Policy Summit, please email ouiid@dict.gov.ph.