The 21st Davao City Council approved Ordinance No. 0250-26 or the Healthy Food Procurement Ordinance of Davao City, a comprehensive measure designed to protect public health and promote proper nutrition across schools, government offices, hospitals and other institutions.
The ordinance requires the procurement and consumption of healthy and nutritious foods, in accordance with national policies such as the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN), the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) guidelines, and the Department of Education’s (DepEd) school-based nutrition initiatives.
Davao City Councilor Trisha Ann Villafuerte emphasized that the ordinance recognizes the critical role of proper nutrition, ensuring that the well-being of the youth is protected from negative health impacts by establishing a sustainable, health-oriented food environment.
“Dili lalim ang mga nagka lain-lain sakit nga na experience sa atoang kabatan-onan and even sa atoang mga kaigsoonan, especially diria sa Davao City. We would also want to take care of their nutrition through this ordinance (It’s not easy dealing with the various illnesses that our youth experience, especially here in Davao City. We would also want to take care of their nutrition through this ordinance),” she told Madayaw Davao over Davao City Disaster Radio on May 26, 2026.
Under the ordinance, all city government offices, schools, hospitals, and other public institution must prioritize nutrient-dense, minimally processed, and culturally appropriate foods.
It also requires that 80 percent of the food sold should be healthy, with the sale and distribution of unhealthy foods and beverages strictly prohibited in school canteens, food stalls, kiosks, vending machines, and other similar food selling establishments located within 100 meters of the school perimeters, as well as in hospitals, daycare center and government offices.
“It mandates, especially mga public institution offices, local government offices, and the schools nga especially ang ibaligya kay 80 percent should be healthy foods. Gina discourage pod ang pag baligya og mga unhealthy foods (It mandates, especially for public institution offices, local government offices, and schools, that 80 percent of what is sold should be healthy food. The sale of unhealthy foods is discouraged),” Davao City Councilor Rachel Zozobrado added.
The Davao City Health Office (CHO) will also provide technical assistance, capacity-building, guidance on product reformulation, nutrition information, and healthy menu planning for small vendors, MSMes and other establishments.
Violators will face penalties, with the first offense resulting in a written warning and mandatory nutrition orientation. The second offense will carry a fine of Php 2,000 and temporary suspension of selling privileges. The third offense will impose a fine of Php 3,000 and revocation of business permits or canteen contracts. Fourth and subsequent violators will lead to a fine of Php 5,000 and permanent revocation of business permits, subject to due process.
To oversee its implementation, the ordinance establishes the City Nutrition and Healthy Food Council, which will serve as a coordinating and advisory authority for the ordinance. The Council is also composed of the City Mayor as Chairperson, the City Health Office as Vice-Chairperson, and members from the City Agriculturist’s Office, the DepEd Division of Davao City, and the City Legal Office. CIO
Written by: N. Malasado
Edited by: A. Nawal