40 teams accept Bontoc 3rd weight loss challenge

By Alpine Killa 

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Forty teams have committed to being advocates of a healthy lifestyle as they joined the weight loss challenge of this capital town, dubbed “Chagsen Challenge Season 3”. 

    Following positive response from the public following two consecutive weight loss challenges and their determination to continue living a healthy lifestyle, the Bontoc local government decided to push through with the third edition. 

    According to municipal nutrition action officer Venous Faith Cofulan, the challenge is open to everyone who is 18 years old and above.

    A minimum of five members should be in one team and substitution of team members will not be allowed. 

     The identification of winners in the competition will be the highest average loss of the team. The weight loss challenge started on August 9, 2021.

    The weight monitoring will be every two months, and in January 2022 will be the final weigh-in. If one of the members of the team fails to weigh in during the monitoring and final weigh-in, the team will be categorized as did not finish. 

    The weight loss challenge program of the Bontoc LGU was introduced in 2019 by Sangguniang Bayan member Jerome Tudlong, Jr., who chairs the Committee on Health and Sanitation in collaboration with the Municipal Health Office (MHO). It aims to promote health and wellness among the employees of the municipal government and the public. Also, the program is for the public to lose unwanted and unnecessary weight through natural means of proper food intake and regular exercise. 
In an interview, Bontoc Mayor Franklin Odsey said many participants registered for the program.   

    Odsey added this program does not only promote regular exercise but also advocates eating a well- balanced and nutritious food. He added that this includes limiting the intake of sugary, salty, and fatty food. 

    Meanwhile, Tudlong joined Odsey in citing importance of a healthy lifestyle.

    He said healthy habits prevent heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure. 

    For the past two consecutive years, the weight loss challenge winners received cash prizes.

    More than the cash prizes, the program not only transformed participants’ bodies but their lifestyle habits too.