Bacolod, known for its rich culinary heritage and sweet delicacies, faces a growing concern: childhood obesity. With 1 in 5 Filipino children now classified as overweight or obese, Bacolod’s love for piaya, napoleones, and sugary pasalubong treats is clashing with the need for healthier lifestyles. This article explores practical, culturally relevant alternatives to traditional snacks that keep Bacolod kids healthy without sacrificing the joy of pasalubong.
Why Bacolod’s Pasalubong Culture Needs a Shift
The Western Visayas region, including Bacolod, reports rising childhood obesity rates linked to excessive sugar intake and sedentary habits. Popular pasalubong items like barquillos (sugar-coated wafers) and guapple pie often contain hidden sugars and empty calories. While these treats are part of Negrense identity, health experts warn that daily consumption contributes to long-term risks like diabetes and heart disease.
Healthy Pasalubong Alternatives for Bacolod Families
- Fruit-Based Delights
- Mango Leather: Swap sugar-packed candies for dried mango strips from Bacolod’s Guimaras suppliers. Rich in Vitamin C and fiber.
- Muscovado-Coated Nuts: Local vendors in Silay City offer peanuts roasted with organic muscovado—lower glycemic index than refined sugar.
- Savory & Wholesome Snacks
- Seaweed Crackers: Brands like Habi Crafts sell guso (seaweed) chips from Iloilo, packed with iodine and calcium.
- Adlai Rice Cookies: Gluten-free adlai grain from Negros Occidental farms makes crunchy, nutrient-dense snacks.
- DIY Pasalubong Kits
- Create “Bacolod Healthy Snack Boxes” with items like roasted kasuy (cashews), dried tamarind balls (unsweetened), and mini puto made with whole grain rice.
How to Encourage Healthier Choices
- Partner with Local Bakeries: Advocate for “low-sugar” versions of classics (e.g., piaya with stevia).
- Educate Through Schools: Work with Bacolod City schools to promote healthy pasalubong during events like MassKara Festival.
- Leverage Social Media: Share recipes like “Sugar-Free Napoleones” using banana flour and coconut cream.
Success Stories: Bacolod Families Making the Switch
- The Santos Family (Bacolod Central Market vendors) replaced sugary butong-butong (coconut candies) with unsweetened buko strips, boosting sales by 30%.
- Dr. Maria Lopez, a Bacolod pediatrician, hosts workshops at Riverside Medical Center teaching parents to read nutrition labels on pasalubong packaging.
Conclusion
Reimagining Bacolod’s pasalubong tradition doesn’t mean abandoning culture—it’s about preserving it sustainably. By choosing locally sourced, nutrient-rich alternatives, families can protect their children’s health while celebrating Negrense pride.
