Cebu City Council Proposes Tax Incentives to Combat Lifestyle Diseases
In a significant move to strengthen preventive healthcare, the Cebu City Council is currently reviewing a proposed measure that would utilize tax incentives and regulatory advantages to encourage businesses to become active partners in addressing lifestyle-related diseases. This initiative aims to be a key component of the City's broader strategy to reduce the increasing burden of chronic non-communicable diseases, which have been placing strain on both families and the public health system.
Details of the Proposed Ordinance
The proposed Cebu City Health Promotion Incentive Ordinance of 2026, which was endorsed to the City Council on February 3, 2026, and authored by Councilor Michelle Abella-Cellona, seeks to motivate enterprises such as fitness centers, wellness studios, and sellers of nutritious food. By offering fiscal and non-fiscal rewards, the ordinance aims to make nutritious food and wellness services more available, accessible, and affordable for residents.
Under this measure, qualified businesses may be eligible for various incentives, including:
- Partial reductions in mayor's permit fees
- Business tax reductions within legal limits
- Decreases in sanitary inspection charges
Additionally, non-monetary benefits are proposed, such as priority processing of permits and the introduction of a Healthy Cebu Business Seal to recognize compliant enterprises.
Eligibility and Requirements
To qualify for these incentives, a business must operate within Cebu City and be primarily engaged in activities that demonstrably promote health and wellness. Eligible sectors include:
- Food retail and wholesale operations
- Fitness and wellness centers
- Professional services offering nutrition counseling and dietary services
- Other enterprises certified by the City Health Department
Councilor Cellona emphasized that the ordinance is anchored on prevention, noting that diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular illnesses continue to impact communities significantly. The incentives would be performance-based and time-bound, applying only to the portion of a business directly involved in health-promoting activities.
Oversight and Implementation
Participating enterprises will be subject to certification and regular compliance reviews conducted by the City Health Department, the Business Permits and Licensing Office, and the City Treasurer's Office. This ensures that businesses adhere to the standards set forth in the ordinance and maintain their commitment to public health goals.
The proposed measure is currently under committee review, with further discussions expected to shape its final implementation. This proactive approach highlights Cebu City's dedication to fostering a healthier environment through collaborative efforts between the government and the private sector.
