Week-long Smoke Free Baguio event, slated

THE city government’s Smoke Free Baguio campaign shifts into high gear with various activities slated next month aimed at increasing public awareness on the ill-effects of tobacco use.

Spearheaded by the Smoke Free Baguio Task Force chaired by Mayor Mauricio Domogan and the Health Services Office (HSO) under Dr. Rowena Galpo, the event will kick-off with the announcement of activities on Nov. 13 during the City Hall flag-raising rites and a fun run on Nov. 19 with the Athletic Bowl as starting area.

Murals painted by Baguio City High School students near BGHMC and along Bokawkan Road will be unveiled on Nov. 20.

A press conference, information and education campaign, smoke cessation clinic will be conducted at Malcolm Square on Nov. 23.

A zumba activity at Burnham Park on Nov. 25 will end the week-long event.

Earlier, the HSO and World Health Organization held a two-day training for barangay officials who will be deputized to assist in the implementation of Ordinance NO. 34, series of 2017, or the Smoke Free Baguio Ordinance authored by councilor Joel Alangsab.

The measure makes it unlawful for any person to smoke/vape or allow smoking/vaping in public utility vehicles, government-owned vehicles or any other means of public transport for passengers, accommodation and entertainment establishments, public buildings, public places, enclosed public places, or any enclosed are outside of one’s private residence or private place of work, except in duly designated smoking areas (DSAs).

It applies to all persons, whether natural or juridical, whether resident or not, and in all places, found within the territorial jurisdiction of the city government. Gaby Keith