Nationwide Jam Step slated Sept. 24

ANG Batang Pinoy Movement led by Jewel Mae Lobaton-Pimentel and Bacolod City Lone District Representative Anthony T. Golez Jr. will spearhead the nationwide staging of "Jam Step Philippines" on September 24, 2012, 7:30 a.m.

Pimentel and Golez are set to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Education (DepEd), and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on August 17, 2012 in Manila for the staging of this big event which will be participated by students, government officials, parents and other interested groups who are one in promoting a healthy lifestyle through aerobic exercise.

DOH has adopted this advocacy because this can help lower cases of heart diseases, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and other non-communicable diseases, Pimentel said, adding that the success of Jam Step in Bacolod City last February 12, 2012 convinced government agencies to support this advocacy.

“All we want is to tell the world that with exercise, a healthy lifestyle is possible with the children as the frontliners of this advocacy," Pimentel stressed.

According to Pimentel, when children say, "Let's start to exercise,” it is a very powerful enticement to their parents.

"I'm so happy, excited and humbled in a way because our Jam Step with Congressman Golez was only for Bacolod City where we have to advocate healthy lifestyle, especially with the kids," Pimentel said.

DOH does not need to invest more or find a location fitting for these children to exercise because Jam Step regular exercise can really help promote healthy lifestyle for all ages.

Pimentel also disclosed that the Binibining Pilipinas participants and organizers will also join the nationwide staging of Jam Step, and they will join her and DOH Secretary Enrique Ona and DOH Assistant Secretary Enrique Tayag campaign for Jam Step in the school level.

Other celebrities are also joining Jam Step, adding that Ona will be talking to President Noynoy Aquino, Vice President Jejomar Binay, senators and congressmen to also join Jam step.

Pimentel said she is excited because "it is Bacolod teaching the Philippines about healthy lifestyle. So come and join what we have started in Bacolod."