Advocates back Quezon City’s push for first comprehensive alcohol harms prevention ordinance

(Quezon City, Philippines) – Public health advocates express strong support for Quezon City after the city held a public consultation, last December 17, for what could soon become the Philippines’s first comprehensive alcohol harms prevention ordinance.

While several local government units across the country have enacted measures to restrict sales such as bans and curfews, Quezon City’s proposed ordinance is the first to comprehensively adopt WHO’s SAFER technical package, an evidence-based set of strategies to reduce alcohol-related injuries, violence, and health harms. This expands regulatory coverage to include availability, age of access, consumption, and marketing.

“We commend the Quezon City Government for their continued commitment to prioritize the health and safety for their constituents,” said Atty. Reina Fabregas, Project Manager from ImagineLaw. “This ordinance is a strong response to the persistent occurrence of alcohol-related harms in the country.”

Alcohol consumption contributes to preventable injuries and diseases in the Philippines. A 2022 study by Lu, (now Health Secretary) Herbosa, and Lu has determined that alcohol intoxication increases the risk of driver’s death and injury. In addition, an analysis of the Global Burden of Disease 2024 report by Movendi International shows that alcohol is the third biggest risk factor for disease burden in the country.

“QC’s proposed ordinance is not just timely, it could also save lives.,” said Dr. Rodney Jimenez of the Philippine Heart Association. “If we can lower alcohol consumption in communities, we can prevent strokes, heart attacks, and long-term suffering that a lot of Filipino families endure because of alcohol,”

“By addressing both availability and marketing, the proposed ordinance in QC is a prime example of governance that makes it easier for people to live a healthier lifestyle,” Dr. Katherine Ann Reyes, Research Assistant Professor and Program Lead from the Health Promotion Program of UP Manila National Institutes of Health added.

The group reaffirmed its readiness to support the city in the next steps towards the passage and implementation of the ordinance.

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