ORMOC CITY – All because LGU-Ormoc is committed to promoting healthy lifestyle choices among its employees, City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez signed into implementation Executive Order No. 2025-012, banning sugary drinks during government events and activities, and mandating water as its primary beverage option.
The said EO is effective immediately after being signed on April 2, 2025, and shall remain in force until otherwise revoked, amended, or superseded. Accordingly, the mandate is in relation to Section 16 of Republic Act (RA) No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code (LGC) of 1991, which mandates LGUs to promote public health and safety among city residents.
The city believes that providing bottled water as an alternative to sugary drinks supports hydration and promotes the overall well-being of persons.
The EO specifically orders all departments and offices, including sections and units, to refrain from including sugary drinks in any and all purchase requests (PRs) for food and beverages in official activities, meetings, seminars, workshops, conferences, and other similar events because numerous health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses, have been connected to excessive intake of sugary drinks; that, as an alternative to sugary drinks, the departments and offices shall ensure that bottled water is provided as the primary beverage option.
Moreover, other healthy beverage options such as unsweetened teas, infused water, or natural fruit juices with no added sugar may also be considered, subject to availability and budgetary constraints
The EO further reads that sugary drinks include carbonated soft drinks (soda), sweetened fruit drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks, and flavored water with added sugar; and that the City Budget Office (CBO), City Accounting Office (CAO), and Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) are tasked to ensure strict compliance with the EO by reviewing all submitted purchase requests while the Internal Audit Services (IAS) shall monitor adherence to the provisions of said order. (By Gwen Maurillo / EV Mail APRIL 14-20, 2025 issue)
