Iloilo City joins World Health Day 2010
Ilonggos will be participating in a fitness activity for the World Health Day 2010 as part of the celebration of the Year of Urban Health.
City Health Office Administrative Officer Barbara Hortillo said a “Hataw” exercise will highlight the event on April 11 at the new Efrain B. Treñas Boulevard in Mandurriao district.
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas is expected to lead the activity, together with employees and personnel of the city government.
Dr. Ma. Sophia Pulmones, Chief of the Local Health Support Division of the regional Department of Health-Center for Health Development, said the city has already registered for the “1,000 cities, 1,000 lives” campaign of the World Health Organization as part of the celebration.
The drive aims to “draw worldwide attention to the theme of urbanization and health, and engage governments, international organizations, business and civil society in a shared effort to put health at the heart of urban policy.”
It calls for cities to close off portions of streets to motorized traffic and open them up for health activities for one day during the week from April 7 to 11.
The eight-kilometer stretch of road along the Iloilo River is now the place for around 300 fitness enthusiasts who frequently do their morning or afternoon walking, jogging and bicycling in the area.
An organization called Healthy Lifestyle Partnership, headed by businessman Rolando Layson and composed of people from all sectors in the city, has even initiated an exercise program for their members and others who frequent the place for relaxation and health activities.
Warm up and dance exercises are done every day from Monday to Sunday, during early morning and late in the afternoon. (PIO)
