Manila, Dec. 18 -- Public health advocates have expressed strong support for the local government of Quezon City following a public consultation on Dec. 17 for a proposed ordinance aimed at preventing alcohol-related harms, which could become the country's first comprehensive local measure of its kind.

The advocates, in a news release on Thursday, said the proposed ordinance is notable for adopting the World Health Organization's SAFER technical package, an evidence-based framework designed to reduce alcohol-related injuries, violence, and health risks.

While several local government units have implemented alcohol-related restrictions such as sales bans and curfews, the Quezon City proposal seeks broader regulatory coverage, including a...