DOH, FDA, groups to Food Companies: Comply with June 2023 Deadline to Eliminate Industrially-produced Trans Fat

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The Department of Health (DOH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday reminded food companies to reformulate and remove industrially-produced trans fatty acids (iTFA) from their products by June 18, 2023, in compliance with DOH Administrative Order 2021-0039 and FDA Circular 2021-028.

“The DOH, together with the FDA and the National Nutrition Council (NNC), works to ensure that iTFA-free policies are fully implemented. We expect no less than the food industry’s full compliance to protect Filipinos’ heart health,” OIC Usec. Beverly Ho of the DOH’s Public Health Services Team said during the press conference in Quezon City that was also joined by health and nutrition groups. “Pilipinas in 2023 will be iTFA-free,” Dr. Ho added.

iTFA, a toxic fat, increases the risk of developing comorbidities and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), according to DOH. After the deadline, pre-packaged and processed food with iTFA will be banned from sale to consumers. Food products with high iTFA that need to be reformulated include margarine and instant coffee.

“After June 18, 2023, all product formulations and labels of pre-packaged processed food containing industrially-produced TFA shall be fully compliant with these guidelines, immediately thereafter, any establishment found to be in violation of any provision of the DOH Administrative Order 2021-0039 and FDA Circular 2021-028 shall be ground for disapproval and suspension or cancellation of CPR,” warned Dir. Pilar Marilyn Pagayunan of the FDA Center for Food Regulation and Research.


PBBM urged to certify Trans Fat Free Law as urgent

A week before his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., or PBBM, was also urged to effectively address heart disease in the Philippines by supporting legislation that will ban iTFA in the country’s food supply.

“Building back better means creating an environment that promotes healthy choices for Filipinos,” said Atty. Sophia San Luis, Executive Director of public interest law group ImagineLaw. “Heart disease is not only the leading cause of death for Filipinos, it also leads to more severe COVID-19 outcomes. By eliminating iTFA, we are one step closer to building a healthy and resilient Philippines”, she added

“As we strive to adapt to the new normal, President Marcos must protect the Filipinos’ health by ensuring that the Philippines becomes TFA-free,'' urged Dr. Zenaida Velasco of the Nutritionist-Dietitians Association of the Philippines (NDAP). “This coming SONA, we urge PBBM to include iTFA elimination as part of his priority health agenda,” she added.

A Healthy Diet for Muscle Gain, Weight Loss & Better Performance

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If you're looking to improve your muscle mass, lose weight or just perform better in general, a healthy diet is key. So whether you're a bodybuilder or just trying to get into shape, read on for the best advice on how to fuel your body.

There are three main macronutrients that our bodies need in order to function properly: carbohydrates, protein, and fat. Each of these nutrients plays an important role in muscle gain, weight loss, and performance.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are an important macronutrient for athletes and active people. They are the body’s preferred source of fuel during exercise and play a vital role in muscle growth, weight loss and overall performance.

There are two main types of carbohydrates – simple and complex. Simple carbs are made up of single sugar molecules and are found in foods like candy, cookies and soda. Complex carbs are made up of multiple sugar molecules and include foods like starchy vegetables, legumes and whole grains.

Both types of carbs can be part of a healthy diet, but complex carbs are generally considered to be healthier because they contain more fiber and nutrients. Complex carbs also take longer to digest, which means they provide a slow and steady source of energy.

Simple carbs are generally considered to be less healthy because they can cause blood sugar spikes and provide little in the way of nutrients. However, simple carbs can be a part of a healthy diet if they are consumed in moderation.

The best way to get the health benefits of carbohydrates is to eat a variety of whole grain bread, cereals, rice, pasta, and fruits. These foods contain complex carbs that will give you sustained energy and help you reach your fitness goals.

Athletes and active people need more carbs than sedentary people. The exact amount will depend on your activity level, but most experts recommend consuming at least 3-5 grams of carbs per pound of body weight.

If you are trying to lose weight, you may need to consume fewer carbs. However, it’s important to get enough carbs to support your exercise routine. If you don’t eat enough carbs, you may feel tired and sluggish during your workouts.

The best time to eat carbs is before and after exercise. This will help you perform at your best and recover quickly after your workout.

Protein

Protein is an essential macronutrient that plays a key role in muscle growth, weight loss and performance.

There are many different types of protein, but the two most important for athletes are whey and casein.

Whey protein is digested and absorbed quickly, making it ideal for post-workout recovery. Casein protein is digested more slowly, making it ideal for taking before bedtime or during periods of extended fasting (like sleep).

Both whey and casein proteins contain all the essential amino acids your body needs to build muscle, so they are both excellent choices for athletes.

If you are looking to build muscle or lose weight, then you should aim to consume 1-2 grams of protein per pound of body weight per day. For example, a 200-pound person would need 200-400 grams of protein per day.

If you are looking to improve your performance, then you should aim to consume 0.5-1 gram of protein per pound of body weight per day.

There are many different ways to get enough protein in your diet, including eating meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts and seeds, legumes, and soy products. You can also get protein from supplementation with whey or casein powder. Read more information about the best times to drink protein shakes on Welltech.


Fat

One of the most common questions asked by those looking to improve their physical performance or lose weight is whether it is better to consume fat or carbs before exercise. The answer, of course, depends on the type of activity being performed and the individual's unique physiology, but there are some general guidelines that can be followed.

In general, consuming fats before exercise is more beneficial for endurance activities, while carbs are better for short, high-intensity activities. This is because fats provide a slow and steady source of energy, while carbs are quickly metabolized and can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels.

For example, if you are going for a long run or bike ride, you will likely perform better if you eat a fat-rich meal or snack beforehand. This will give your body time to digest the fat and use it for fuel during your activity. On the other hand, if you are going to the gym for a strenuous weight-lifting session, you may want to eat a carb-rich meal or snack beforehand. This will help to replenish your glycogen stores and give you quick energy for your workout.

Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, and some people may find that they perform better with a different macronutrient ratio before exercise. The best way to figure out what works best for you is to experiment with different foods and see how your body responds. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition, so find what works best for you and stick with it.

In general, fats are a more efficient source of energy than carbs and are essential for many bodily functions. However, carbs are still an important part of a healthy diet and should not be completely avoided. When it comes to exercise, the best approach is to experiment with different foods and see what works best for you. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, so find what works best for you and stick with it.

When creating a healthy diet plan, it's important to make sure that you're including all three of these macronutrients in your meals. A good way to do this is by filling half of your plate with fruits and vegetables at every meal, and the other half with protein and carbs. By following these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to reaching your fitness goals!

In addition to eating a balanced diet, it's also important to stay hydrated. The recommended daily water intake is eight glasses per day, but you may need more if you're active or live in a hot climate. Drinking plenty of water will help keep your muscles properly hydrated and prevent cramping during exercise.

Creating a healthy diet that works for you takes some trial and error, but it's worth it when you see the results. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to achieving your fitness goals!

DTI-CITEM's Creative Futures 2022 to present what's next for the Philippine creative economy

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CREATEPhilippines once again gathers local and international creatives to discuss the future of the Philippine creative economy via the digital conference Creative Futures 2022. On its second run, the conference, to be staged using digital platform Hopin from July 28 to 29, 2022, includes an expo, knowledge sharing sessions, and business development and networking opportunities among creative professionals, policymakers, business leaders, and potential clients.

CREATEPhilippines, run by DTI’s export promotions agency Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), is the country’s flagship trade promotions program that champions the Philippines' creative industries as a high-potential export sector and driver of economic growth.

In 2021, the program first staged Creative Futures and launched CREATEPhilippines.com, the country’s first government-led digital content and community platform for Filipino creatives. The site features a directory where local talents can upload their portfolios for a global audience.

This year, Creative Futures will highlight the immediate future of local creative industries. “Our lineup of speakers, resource persons, and partners will present what tomorrow could look like for the Filipino creative. The event is all about possibilities, not in the distant future, but now, like in the next 5 minutes,” said Erwin Romulo, CREATEPhilippines creative director, and Creative Futures Program Director.

The theme of this year’s Creative Futures is “Tomorrow” and will include discussions on current developments and industry trends as well as projections for the creative sectors.

The two-day conference will include presentations on Creative Governance, Gastronomy, Advertising, Design, Film, Tourism, Dance, Game Development, Fashion, and Communication Design.

"Creative Futures 2022 is particularly designed to take advantage of the latest opportunities brought about by recent developments in the local creative landscape, particularly the Congress approval of the consolidated version of Senate Bill 2455 and House Bill 10107, or the Creative Industries Development Act. To support the country’s thrust toward a robust creative economy, we're putting forward practices, strategies, and programs that creatives can immediately capitalize on and incorporate into their respective fields in order to become more globally competitive," said CITEM Executive Director Pauline Suaco-Juan.

 

Creative governance at the forefront

Creative Futures puts the spotlight on creative governance after the pandemic hastened the need to institutionalize protection in the creative sectors.

“CITEM consistently advocates for institutional support which we believe is crucial to the growth of our local talents and the creative economy at large. Through efforts like Creative Futures, under our signature program CREATEPhilippines, we aim to foster an environment where creatives can thrive, taking us closer to our vision of the Philippines as the leading creative hub in the ASEAN region," added Suaco-Juan.

Returning as a guest speaker is Hon. Christopher “Toff” De Venecia, principal author of the House version of the Creative Industries Act, who will discuss the immediate impact of the law in a presentation.

Creative Industries Act proponents and policymakers are also expected to attend. DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual and DTI-Trade Promotions Group Officer-in-Charge Glenn Peñaranda will discuss the role of the public sector in the advancement of the Philippine creative economy.

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto and US-based design firm Alao Design will present a vision of how design can renew public spaces. Arch. Aya Maceda and designers Kristian Henson and Monica Ramos will discuss their design process, doing historical research, on-ground mapping, and immersion, and how they collaborated with the Pasig City LGU.

 

No creative left behind

A new documentary by Martika Ramirez Escobar will premiere at the event. A live Q & A with the director of Sundance-winning feature film Leonor Will Never Die will follow the screening.

A new P-pop web series featuring Mon Abrea, Chairman and Chief Tax Advisor of Asian Consulting Group, is also set to premiere at Creative Futures 2022. Written and directed by Joel Ferrer, it stars Kat Galang and Jal Galang as local creatives dealing with life, love, and their taxes. In a related session, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) will tackle copyright and other intellectual property rights-related issues in a presentation.

The conference also has on-demand sessions streamed throughout the two days, including the Department of Tourism’s ASMR series featuring spots from across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao and the 360-degree interactive video series Across the Archipelago along the Pan-Philippine Highway. There will also be replays of the different presentations and sessions following the event.

To learn more about Creative Future’s growing list of presentations, including advertising and communication design, visit our registration page.

 

Digital expo of Philippine creatives and FAME+ e-tailers

Another key event component is the expo, which will showcase creatives from the CREATEPhilippines directory. Participants can also discover and shop Filipino home, fashion, and lifestyle products by e-tailers from digital sourcing and storytelling platform FAME+.

Creative Futures 2022 is organized by DTI-CITEM in partnership with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), an attached agency of the Department of Tourism.

Register at: https://hopin.com/events/creative-futures-2022/registration and take part in shaping the Philippine creative economy. To learn more about CREATEPhilippines, visit https://createphilippines.com/. Follow us on our social media platforms to get updates on Creative Futures 2022 and know the latest trends and news about local creative sectors.

About CITEM

The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) is the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) export promotions arm committed to nurturing the global competitiveness of Philippine micro, small, and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs), exporters, designers, and manufacturers. The agency aspires toward the highest standards of creativity and innovation, spanning industries including home, fashion, lifestyle, food, and creative sectors.

 

About CREATE Philippines

CREATEPhilippines is the country’s flagship trade promotions program that showcases the Philippines' creative industries as a high-potential export sector and driver of economic growth.

It brings together the creative industries and champions local talent by organizing events that provide opportunities to learn, network, and seize opportunities in the Philippines and beyond.

As a content and community platform, it houses stories that promote Filipino creatives and offers a directory to help them expand their online presence and share their portfolio to a global audience.

CREATEPhilippines is led by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM).