A proposed city ordinance aims to make local nutrition programs more inclusive by addressing the specific needs of individuals with sensory processing disorders and adaptive feeding requirements.
Proposed Ordinance No. 0076-26, introduced by Councilor Leandro Yangot Jr., aims to establish a sensory-safe nutrition and adaptive feeding program.
The measure focuses on residents at nutritional risk, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, and other sensory challenges who may struggle with standard food textures or environments.
Under the proposal, all local government-funded feeding programs, daycare centers, and public schools in the city would be required to use the Sensory Profile Intake Form (SPIF). The tool identifies sensory-based feeding aversions in enrolled persons with disabilities to better tailor their meal plans.
The ordinance also calls for the creation of the Baguio City Sensory-Safe Nutrition Committee (BCSSNC) that would serve as the primary policy-making authority to oversee the program and ensure nutrition initiatives are specifically designed for neurodivergent individuals.
Key features of the proposal include crafting of a standard operating procedures by the City Health Services Office and the BCSSNC in develop guidelines for public feeding initiatives, adaptive environments that will require “quiet zones” during meal times to reduce sensory overload, and provision of adaptive meal kits and texture-modified menus.
Yangot said the measure is a proactive local response to Republic Act No. 7277, also known as the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons. He noted the ordinance seeks to improve public health outcomes while reducing the stigma associated with neurodivergence. The Baguio City Council approved the ordinance on first reading March 23 and referred to the Committee on Employment, Livelihood, Cooperatives, and PWDs for further deliberation. Tuesday Javar/UP Baguio Intern