The City Government of Davao, through its Vice Regulation Unit (VRU), is set to celebrate the 23rd anniversary of its Anti-Smoking Campaign in conjunction with World No Tobacco Day on May 29.
As part of the celebrations, Davao City officials along with representatives from various government offices and attendees will kick off the day with a motorcade at 8:a.m. Several speakers will also educate the public on the harmful effects of tobacco.
Jalyn Pareja, Focal Person and Acting Assistant Operations Head of VRU, in an interview over city-owned Davao City Disaster Radio, said that the anti-smoking campaign started in 2002 under the leadership of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, and that Davao City was one of the first to implement the no smoking in public places policy.
She also emphasized that the success of the campaign is not only attributed to the strict penalties but also to strong political will, community support, and rigorous law enforcement.
“Kung naa man [ga smoke in public places] pipila nalang na sila, dili pareha sa laing lugar nga naa kay makita manigarilyo sa sulod sa mga public conveniences like jeepneys, mga sakyanan nga gina sakyan sa publiko. Sa atoa diri, very disiplinado na ta (Even if there are people who smoke in public places, there’s only a few of them, it’s not like in other places where you can see people smoking in public conveniences like jeepneys or other public vehicles. Here in Davao City we are very disciplined),” she said.
The city’s Revised Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance strictly prohibits smoking in public places, government-owned vehicles, accommodations, entertainment establishments, and within 100 meters of schools, playgrounds, or areas frequented by minors, except in designated smoking areas. Minors are also not permitted from these areas.
Violators found smoking in unauthorized areas will be fined P3,000 and must undergo smoking cessation counseling.
Those caught selling or distributing tobacco products to minors will face a fine of P5,000, and business establishments engaging in such practices risk having their licenses revoked or cancelled. CIO
