By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. renewed his call on Filipinos to uphold a healthy lifestyle, lamenting recent statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) stating that around 1 in 10 children and almost 4 in 10 adults in the Philippines are now classified as overweight and obese.
In his speech at the fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) held at Batasang Pambansa, Quezon City, on Monday, the President vowed to address this worrying development on the health and wellness of Filipinos by urging the citizenry to participate in outdoor activities such as athletic meets, Zumba sessions, and other forms of exercise.
President Marcos likewise called on the local government units (LGUs) to open up and clean up parks in their respective areas to encourage residents, whether young or old, to exercise and appreciate outdoor activities.
The Chief Executive said, “Magpatupad tayo ng mga “Car-Free Sundays”, tulad ng ginagawa sa ilang lungsod na dito sa Metro Manila, sa Baguio, sa Cebu, pati sa Iloilo, at Davao,”
He added, “Bilang pagsuporta rito, simula ngayon, bubuksan ng Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) sa publiko ang kanilang mga track and field oval sa Pasig, Maynila, at Baguio, upang makapag-jogging na kayo nang libre.”
The President moreover reaffirmed his support for the young athletes, from those who participated in this year’s Palarong Pambansa held from May 25-30, to those who are set to partake in the Batang Pinoy Games that will be held in General Santos City in October.
He also vowed to create a national program centered around sports development, citing the help of the PSC and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) as crucial in supporting sports programs for athletes across the country.
President Marcos said, “Dahil sa mga ito, ang ating kabataan ay maagang namumulat sa isports, humuhusay, at tumataas ang kumpiyansa. Sumusunod sila sa yapak ng ating mga kampeon at world-class na athlete: tulad ni Senator Manny Pacquiao, ni Hidilyn Diaz, ni Carlos Yulo, Aira Villegas, Nesthy Petecio, EJ Obiena, Alex Eala; ang paralympians natin na sina Jerrold Mangliwan, Cendy Asusano, Angel Mae Otom, at Ernie Gawilan.”
The Chief Executive concluded by honoring the Philippine Men’s Curling Team, who championed in the Asian Winter Games and brought home pride and prestige to the Southeast Asian Nation, building upon the footsteps and sustaining the momentum of their fellow world-class athletes.
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