On February 22, 2026, along Tomas Morato Avenue in Quezon City, members of the Akbayan Party-list, representatives of the Quezon City Government, public health advocates, and community participants joined the “Step Up for Healthier Hearts” wellness walk to promote stronger food environment policies and raise awareness about heart disease prevention during Philippine Heart Month.
The early morning gathering transformed the car-free stretch of Tomas Morato into a vibrant space for movement and advocacy. Families, youth groups, health professionals, and policy supporters walked together, turning a routine Sunday activity into a collective call for systemic reform. The event coincided with the city’s Car-Free, Carefree Sunday program, allowing residents to use the road freely for recreation, exercise, and community engagement.
At the forefront of the initiative were Chel Diokno and Perci Cendaña, principal authors of House Bill No. 6834, known as the Healthy Food Environment Bill. They were joined by Vincent Belmonte, who highlighted the city’s ongoing efforts to promote healthier public food systems. Their presence reinforced the alignment between local initiatives and national legislative proposals aimed at improving nutrition standards and consumer awareness.
The walk was organized in partnership with advocacy groups, including ImagineLaw, which has been pushing for the passage of food policy reforms. Throughout the event, representatives explained the purpose of proposed measures such as mandatory front-of-pack warning labels, tighter regulation of marketing targeted at children, and reforms to reduce excessive sodium in commonly consumed products.
Participants moved along the 600-meter stretch from Roces Avenue to Boy Scouts Circle, engaging in conversations about the importance of clear nutrition labeling. Advocates explained how front-of-pack warning labels would simplify purchasing decisions by immediately identifying products high in sugar, sodium, saturated fat, or calories—removing the need for consumers to interpret complex nutritional tables at the back of packaging.
Health experts also underscored the urgency of reform. A representative from the Philippine Heart Association reiterated that cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading health concerns in the country. The discussion highlighted how improved labeling systems and sodium reduction policies could serve as preventive measures rather than reactive solutions.
Beyond the policy discussions, the atmosphere remained community-oriented and inclusive. Zumba sessions added energy to the morning, while free health screenings offered blood pressure checks and other basic assessments. Many families took advantage of the opportunity to consult health professionals, turning the advocacy event into a practical wellness fair.
City officials pointed to complementary local initiatives, including nutrition-focused procurement policies and calorie labeling ordinances, which aim to ensure that public institutions model healthy standards. These measures were presented as examples of how governance at the local level can support broader legislative goals.
Throughout the walk, participants expressed support for reforms that prioritize transparency and public safety in food systems. Advocates emphasized that healthier environments do not depend solely on individual discipline but also on accessible information and responsible industry practices.
As the event concluded, the message along Tomas Morato remained clear: protecting heart health requires collaboration between lawmakers, local governments, medical professionals, and communities. The “Step Up for Healthier Hearts” walk demonstrated how advocacy can move from conference rooms to public streets—bringing policy discussions closer to everyday life and reinforcing the shared responsibility of building a healthier future for all Filipinos. (with reports from Aldrine Benitez)
