Camille Naredo

The Quezon City Government, with the Royal Danish Embassy, mark World Obesity Day 2026, on March 4, 2026 with the installation of a permanent public health education totems at Quezon Memorial Circle. Lyza Aquino, ABS-CBN News

The Quezon City Government, with the Royal Danish Embassy, mark World Obesity Day 2026, on March 4, 2026 with the installation of a permanent public health education totems at Quezon Memorial Circle.

Article (news)

Lyza Aquino

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1772620106035HCjW6LSawAYUid7.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="The Quezon City Government, with the Royal Danish Embassy, mark World Obesity Day 2026, on March 4, 2026 with the installation of a permanent public health education totems at Quezon Memorial Circle. Lyza Aquino, ABS-CBN News" width="960"/>The Quezon City Government, with the Royal Danish Embassy, mark World Obesity Day 2026, on March 4, 2026 with the installation of a permanent public health education totems at Quezon Memorial Circle. Lyza Aquino, ABS-CBN News</div>MANILA -- The Quezon City Government, in partnership with the Royal Danish Embassy, commemorated World Obesity Day 2026 on Wednesday with the installation of a permanent public health education totem at Quezon Memorial Circle (QMC), reinforcing its commitment to science-based obesity prevention and care at the community level. Mayor Joy Belmonte underscored the urgency of addressing obesity, citing alarming national data. “This is crucial in the face of data, 6 out of 10 Filipino adults are burdened by weight problems. Putting them at 5 times the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes,” Belmonte said. <div><a class="fr-green" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/health-science/2025/8/19/ano-nga-ba-ang-obesity-0809">Ano nga ba ang obesity?</a></div>She added that “1 in every 8 school children and adolescents are diagnosed overweight or obese,” attributing the trend to the widespread consumption of processed and readily available food. “In this context, lalong mahalaga ang observance natin ng araw na ito. Addressing this problem and shifting our culture towards acceptance and understanding is not the job of government alone. It is the work of all of us, ng mga pamilya, ng mga komunidad, ng mga doctor, ng mga guro, ng media, ng negosyo,” the mayor said. Strategically placed along the jogging paths of Quezon Memorial Circle, the newly installed totems feature science-based information on Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference guidelines, obesity risk factors, and practical tips for healthier living. It also introduces metered activity stations designed to encourage movement among park visitors. “In today’s gathering we are having a turnover of the totem poles here at QMC which contains science based information about Obesity, like BMI awareness, waist circumference guidance, and tips on how to become healthier. But it is empowering as it helps in goal setting. When we designed cities that encourage movement and self monitoring, we make health the easier choice,” Belmonte said. She emphasized that beyond visual reminders and infrastructure, mindset shifts are equally important. “Kapag binago natin kung papaano tayo nag-uusap tungkol sa katawan at kalusugan, kapag pinalitan natin ang paghatol, doon nagsisimula ang tunay na pagbabago,” she said. “Higit pa sa mga patakaran at polisiya natin, real change will come, when we become more intentional with our everyday acts.” The World Obesity Day celebration builds on milestones under the global Cities for Better Health (CBH) program led by Novo Nordisk, which supports cities in strengthening prevention, early detection, and long-term management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Quezon City is one of the Philippine model cities under the program. Last year, the city convened its first Obesity Summit, laying the groundwork for a proposed comprehensive Obesity Ordinance now under deliberation at the Quezon City Council. The measure seeks to institutionalize prevention, early detection, and long-term management strategies across schools, workplaces, barangays, and communities. While awaiting council approval, the city has already rolled out key initiatives. In December, it implemented Phase 1 of its calorie labeling program. <div><a class="fr-green" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/health-science/2025/7/11/the-hidden-cost-of-obesity-ph-risks-losing-its-workforce-before-it-grows-up-1445">The hidden cost of obesity: PH risks losing its workforce before it grows up</a></div>“Kapag pumunta siya sa ating mga restaurants, makikita mo sa menu ang calorie count ng food items. Kahit sa online food delivery apps, nare-reflect narin ang calorie counts,” Belmonte said. The city is also strengthening its response to non-communicable diseases through proposed smoke-free, vape-free, and alcohol-free ordinances that recently underwent legislative reading. In parallel, Quezon City continues to promote active lifestyles through car-free, carefree Sundays and expanded accessible public spaces. “Over the past several weeks, nilalakad namin ang iba’t ibang areas across our city. Ang goal namin dito sa Quezon City, before I step down in 2028, gagawin natin tunay na walkable ang key areas sa bawat distrito sa ating mahal na lungsod. Ang walkable Quezon City, that is my commitment to the people of Quezon City,” she said. For his part, Danish Ambassador to the Philippines Franz-Michael Mellbin highlighted the value of international collaboration in addressing global health challenges. “This partnership reflects the strong ties between Denmark and the Philippines in advancing public health innovation. By combining global scientific expertise with local leadership, we can help cities build environments that support healthier lives for generations to come,” Mellbin said.

The Quezon City Government, in partnership with the Royal Danish Embassy, commemorated World Obesity Day 2026 with the installation of a permanent public health education totem at Quezon Memorial Circle, reinforcing its commitment to science-based obesity prevention and care at the community level.

The Quezon City Government, in partnership with the Royal Danish Embassy, commemorated World Obesity Day 2026 with the installation of a permanent public health education totem at Quezon Memorial Circle, reinforcing its commitment to science-based obesity prevention and care at the community level.

QC LGU unveils health totem at QMC to tackle rising obesity rates

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QC LGU unveils health totem at QMC to tackle rising obesity rates

Lyza Aquino,

ABS-CBN News

Published Mar 04, 2026 06:29 PM PHT

Read More:

Quezon Memorial Circle

World Obesity Day

Danish Embassy

Mayor Joy Belmonte

Quezon City

health

obesity

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