Teams to inspect school canteens in Pangasinan vs. soft drinks as school starts

When school starts on June 1, authorities will help ensure pupils' health by checking schools if their canteens sell soft drinks.

In Pangasinan, the San Carlos City health office will deploy teams starting June 1 to see if schools comply with the Department of Education's policy against soft drinks.

The Department of Education in 2013 had issued a memo discouraging the sale of soft drinks in school canteens due to the drinks' high sugar content, GMA Dagupan's Jasmin Gabriel reported on "24 Oras North Central Luzon."

"Nakikipagugnayan kami lalong lalo (simula) Lunes, may pinapaikot ako. Although kakaunti sila (at) maraming schools, (parang) Brigada Eskwela nakikipag-coordinate," San Carlos City health office city health officer Edwin Guinto said.

"(W)hether they like it or not may kautusan sa taas," he added.

His office also issued a separate directive supporting the DepEd's ban on soft drinks in school canteens.

At the San Carlos Central 1 Elementary School, canteen teacher Shirley Viernes said carbonated drinks are a no-no.

"Bawal talaga, istriktong pinagbabawal ang carbonated drinks," she said. —  Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News