BAGUIO CITY – The resolution declaring and promoting the month of January of every year as Healthy Lifestyle Month has been approved by the city council, and finally by Mayor Mauricio Domogan, last week.

Authored by Councilor Fred Bagbagen, the resolution aims to unite the people of Baguio to "embark on a conscious effort for wellness journey," be healthier and happier, and "be able to use these tools for continued growth and development."

The councilor cited the nation of Bhutan where an ideology is being adopted by other countries, such as Great Britain in the United Kingdom: the Gross National Happiness (GNH). This is seen as the measurement of quality of life and social progress not only in economic terms, but also of having happiness and well-being in the process, the councilor said.

The councilor also referred to the World Health Organization definition of health, as: "a state of complete physical and mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity," and wellness: "a multidimensional state of being describing the existence of positive health in an individual as exemplified by quality of life and sense of well-being such as social, occupational, spiritual, physical, intellectual and emotional wellness."

Thus, "it is imperative for the barangays...to create a system in coordination with the city incorporating such themes that pursue health and wellness," Councilor Bagbagen stated.

The councilor also referred to a Latin saying: Mens sana in corpore sano (A sound mind in a sound body). As such, knowing that physical exercise is a necessary component of a healthy lifestyle, citizens of Baguio should give it time and importance, Councilor Bagbagen added.

As a character city, the city government is urged to cultivate and harness the essence, "to attain and maintain harmony and balance in our lives, we must pay attention with a positive attitude towards our social, occupational, spiritual, physical, intellectual and emotional health with respect to community productivity," the resolution states.

All sectors should then work together for balanced wellness program, where anybody could "gain personal satisfaction and find enrichment in one's life through work or studies in general," the councilor ended. –juliegfianza