SONA 2025: Marcos urges healthier lifestyles, 'car-free' Sundays

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Monday expressed concern over the growing number of overweight Filipino adults, calling for a nationwide shift to healthier, more active lifestyles through accessible community-based fitness initiatives.

Speaking before Congress during his fourth 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos said, "Nakikita natin ang sobrang pagtaas ng timbang ng ating mga kababayang edad dalawampu at pataas. Kaya sikapin nating maging mas aktibo ang ating pamumuhay araw-araw."

(We are seeing an excessive rise in the weight of our countrymen aged 20 and above. That's why we must strive to live more active lifestyles every day.)

In May last year, the Department of Science and Technology - Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) reported a significant increase in overweight and obesity prevalence among Filipino adolescents, from 11.6% in 2018 to 13% in 2021.

Obesity is not an issue facing the Philippines alone. According to research published in The Lancet, rates of obesity and overweight are spiraling due to a "monumental societal failure" to tackle the problem. More than half of adults and almost a third of children and young people set to be affected by 2050, the study found.

Marcos encouraged local government units (LGUs) to organize sports activities such as local leagues, fun runs, and group fitness events like Zumba and aerobics. 

He also urged cities and municipalities to open public parks and plazas, and make them inviting spaces for physical activity.

"Ipalaganap natin ang pagsasagawa ng mga palaro at mga paliga, mga fun runs at fun walks, pati na mga pa-aerobics at pa-Zumba," he said.

(Let's encourage organizing sports fests and tournaments, fun runs and 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, kung saan makakapag-ensayo ang ating mga mamamayan, bata man o matanda," he added.

(To our LGUs, open and brighten up our parks and plazas so people of all ages can use them to exercise.)

Walkable cities

Marcos also promoted the expansion of "Car-Free Sundays" across the country, citing its current implementation in cities such as Metro Manila, Baguio, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao.

The vision for these weekly initiatives converts major roads into walkable, bike-friendly spaces, encouraging outdoor movement and reducing pollution.

"Magpatupad tayo ng mga 'Car-Free Sundays', tulad ng ginagawa sa ilang lungsod dito sa Metro Manila, sa Baguio, Cebu, Iloilo, at Davao," he said.

(Let's implement Car-Free Sundays, like what's already being done in some cities in Metro Manila, Baguio, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao.)

PSC facilities

As additional support, Marcos said the Philippine Sports Commission will now open its facilities to the public for free.

"Simula ngayon, bubuksan ng Philippine Sports Commission sa publiko ang kanilang mga track and field oval sa Pasig, Maynila, at Baguio, upang makapag-jogging na kayo nang libre," he said.

(Starting today, the Philippine Sports Commission will open its track and field ovals in Pasig, Manila, and Baguio to the public for free jogging.)

The President's push for public fitness is part of a broader strategy to combat preventable health conditions and strengthen the country's overall well-being, following recent efforts to improve nutrition among children and access to free medical services. — VDV, GMA Integrated News