PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos urged Filipinos to stay active amid the increase in the number of overweight individuals in the country.
During his fourth State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, July 28, 2025, Marcos called on the local government units to support efforts that would encourage the public to exercise.
“Sa kabilang banda naman, nakikita natin ang sobrang pagtaas naman ng timbang ng ating mga kababayang edad dalawampu at pataas. Kaya, sikapin nating maging mas aktibo ang ating pamumuhay araw-araw. Ipalaganap natin ang mga pagsasagawa ng mga palaro, ng mga paliga, fun run, fun walk, pati mga aerobics, pa-zumba,” he said.
(We are seeing a significant increase in the weight of our fellow Filipinos aged 20 and above. That’s why we should strive to live a more active lifestyle every day. Let’s promote activities such as games, tournaments, fun runs, fun walks, and even aerobics and zumba sessions.)
“Para sa mga LGU (local government units), buksan at gawing maaliwalas ang mga park at mga plaza natin, kung saan makakapag-ensayo ang ating mga mamamayan, bata man o matanda,” he added.
(For local government units, open and improve our parks and plazas to make them more inviting, so that our citizens -- young and old -- can have a place to exercise.)
Marcos also encouraged the implementation of “Car-free Sundays,” which is currently being observed in various parts of Metro Manila, Baguio, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao.
He said the Philippine Sports Commission has already committed to open to the public their track and field ovals in Pasig, Manila, and Baguio.
“Nakikita natin ang sobrang pagtaas naman ng timbang ng ating mga kababayang edad dalawampu at pataas. Kaya, sikapin nating maging mas aktibo ang ating pamumuhay araw-araw,” said Marcos.
(We are seeing a significant increase in the weight of our fellow Filipinos aged 20 and above. That’s why we should strive to lead a more active lifestyle every day.) (TPM/SunStar Philippines)