By Moneth G. Deposa
Variety News Staff

THE Public School System wants its students to perform one hour of daily physical activity to help prevent the onset of diabetes and obesity.
Education Commissioner David M. Borja said school administrators have been instructed to consider how to implement this proposal next year.
PSS, as part of its current curriculum, requires kindergarten to sixth grade students to earn one credit of physical education per year before they are promoted to junior high. Two credits of PE are needed for a senior to graduate from high school.
“I am aware that we have students who are overweight and that can be a contributing factor to the onset of diabetes. Also, we want to make sure that we’re taking care of our underweight students,” Borja said.
He said PSS is acknowledging the results of various studies on obesity and diabetes conducted by the Department of Public Health, the Community Diabetes Coalition and the PSS nutrition coordinators.
“They made this recommendation because they know that PSS can play a major role in reducing and preventing the onset of diabetes among our children,” he said, adding that they may also look into the kinds of meals and snacks being provided to the school children.
He said menus for the PSS breakfast and lunch program are being prepared by registered dieticians.
According to Borja, physical education is part of the PSS Wellness Policy which may be “adjusted” by the Board of Education.
“The board wants to revisit this policy and include private schools,” Borja said.