05/15/2011 | 07:46 AM
President Benigno Aquino III on Sunday urged Filipinos to engage in exercise to prevent getting non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which he said are among the leading causes of death in the country.
In his message at the launching of the "Ehersisyo Pangkalusugan Para sa Lahat 2011," Aquino said improper diet and lack of exercise are a major cause of NCDs such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
"Maraming Pilipino an nalalagay sa peligro sa kalusugan dahil sa noncommunicable diseases (Many Filipinos face health risks from noncommunicable diseases)," he said before joining bikers in going around the Quezon Memorial Circle.
Joining Aquino were incoming presidential chief of staff and former Senator Manuel Roxas II, and members of his communications group.
In his message, Aquino also reiterated his administration's commitment to universal health care for Filipinos.
Earlier in the day, government employees trooped to the Quezon City Memorial Circle to take part in the Department of Health's exercise program.
Security was tight at the venue, whose inner lanes were closed to traffic before 7 a.m., according to a report by radio dzBB's Manny Vargas.