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Davao City Councilor Fine-Tunes Health Food Ordinances
Davao City Councilor Rachel Zozobrado announced that she is still refining two proposed health-oriented food ordinances aimed at promoting healthier food consumption and enhancing nutritional transparency in food establishments. These measures, which have already advanced to the second reading through an approved committee report, are being adjusted to ensure practicality and enforceability in local settings.
Focus on Healthier Options and Nutritional Information
Zozobrado explained that one ordinance focuses on increasing the availability of healthier food options, while the other mandates food establishments to provide nutritional information for both pre-packed and freshly prepared meals. This initiative is designed to help consumers make informed dietary choices by offering clear data on food content.
She added that the council is considering merging the two proposals after consultations with co-authors, Councilor Trisha “Potpot” Villafuerte and Councilor Al-Ryan Alejandre. "Our concern is implementation. Is it implementable? Is it possible in Davao City, especially on the ordinance on nutritional information?" she stated during the Pulong-Pulong sa Dabawenyos Conference held on April 14, 2026, at the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
Support from National Agencies and Implementation Plans
National agencies, including the Department of Science and Technology–Food and Nutrition Research Institute, the National Nutrition Council, and the Food and Drug Administration, have expressed support and are expected to provide technical assistance once the ordinance is implemented. Zozobrado noted that a council under the City Health Office will be established to oversee implementation, with stakeholder orientations scheduled before enforcement begins.
The implementation will follow a phased approach, starting with large food establishments such as restaurant chains before expanding to smaller businesses like carenderias and eateries. The city will rely on existing nutritional data and standardized guides from the Department of Science and Technology–Food and Nutrition Research Institute and the National Nutrition Council, including the Pinggang Pinoy guide, to ensure accurate computation of food content.
Benchmarking and Regulatory Adjustments
Stakeholders have suggested using the term "nutritional information" instead of "labeling" to align with regulatory authority and improve feasibility for food establishments. Zozobrado explained that nutritional data for common Filipino dishes is already available from national agencies and can be adjusted based on ingredients and preparation methods.
Davao City will benchmark Quezon City, which has implemented a calorie labeling ordinance requiring food establishments to display calorie information on menus, initially covering large restaurant chains before a phased expansion. This policy is supported by national nutrition and health agencies and uses standardized nutritional references.
Zozobrado said the city will study Quezon City’s experience, particularly its compliance challenges and implementation gaps, to strengthen Davao City’s own ordinance. The proposal will no longer include incentives but will impose penalties for non-compliance among food establishments, while ensuring fairness in enforcement. She emphasized that the ordinance aims to promote awareness and help Dabawenyos make informed and healthier food choices through accessible nutritional information.
