Cebu City Council Proposes Tax Incentives to Promote Health-Focused Businesses
In a significant move to strengthen preventive healthcare, the Cebu City Council is currently considering a measure that would utilize tax incentives and regulatory benefits to encourage businesses to become active partners in combating lifestyle-related diseases.
The primary goal of this initiative is to integrate into the city's broader efforts to reduce the growing burden caused by chronic non-communicable diseases, which have been placing increasing strain on families and the public health system.
Details of the Cebu City Health Promotion Incentive Ordinance of 2026
The proposed ordinance, championed by Councilor Michelle Abella-Cellona, aims to incentivize businesses such as fitness centers, wellness studios, and vendors of nutritious food by providing financial rewards and other forms of benefits in recognition of their contributions to public health.
This strategy seeks to make healthy food and wellness services more accessible, affordable, and beneficial for the general population of Cebu City.
Financial and Non-Financial Benefits for Qualified Businesses
Under this proposed measure, eligible businesses could receive a range of incentives, including:
- Partial reductions in mayor's permit fees
- Business taxes lowered within legal limits
- Waivers or discounts on sanitary inspection fees
Additionally, the ordinance includes non-monetary benefits such as:
- Priority processing for permits
- The proposed "Healthy Cebu Business Seal" for recognition
Eligibility Criteria and Certification Process
To qualify for these incentives, a business must meet specific requirements:
- Operate within Cebu City
- Primarily engage in activities that explicitly promote health and wellness
Eligible sectors include:
- Food Retail and Wholesale
- Fitness and Wellness Centers
- Professional Services offering nutrition counseling and dietary services
- Other businesses certified by the City Health Department
Rationale and Expected Impact
Councilor Cellona emphasized that the ordinance is rooted in disease prevention, noting that conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases continue to cause significant difficulties for families and the public health infrastructure.
"The sustained management of chronic illnesses through maintenance medications, diagnostic monitoring, hospitalization, and emergency interventions results in significant public and private healthcare expenditures, which may be reduced through preventive and health-promoting strategies," stated Cellona.
According to the proposal, the incentives are performance-based and time-limited, applying only to the portion of a business directly involved in health-promoting activities.
Oversight and Compliance Mechanisms
Participating businesses will be subject to certification and regular reviews by:
- The City Health Department
- The Business Permits and Licensing Office
- The City Treasurer's Office
Incentives may be revoked if a business provides false information regarding qualifications or fails to meet the established standards.
The proposal is currently under preview by the committee, marking a proactive step towards fostering a healthier community in Cebu City through collaborative public-private partnerships.
