By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Following the example set by the Panaad sa Negros Festival and the Hinugyaw Festival of Hinigaran, Isabela Mayor Enrique Montilla issued an executive order yesterday banning Coca-Cola products from their town fiesta, which takes place from April 19 to 22.
The mayor cited his opposition to the use of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and said he has the backing of the town council.
Meanwhile, based on reports, around 45 food establishments across the province have vowed not to serve any cola products.
Sugar Alliance of the Philippines (SAP) spokesperson, Atty. Dino Yulo, expressed his appreciation for the executive order.
“We are thankful Isabela has joined the call to ban Coke,” he said.
Yulo also reported he received communication from the University of St. La Salle (USLS) Alumni Association Council of Past Presidents chair Paeng Golez saying both he and USLS Alumni Association President Dave Sanson announced plans to ban Coca-Cola from their meetings, functions, and activities.
The SAP spokesman called the support “touching.”/WDJ