SK, school heads oriented on smoke- free measure

“SMOKERS don’t have the right to smoke but we all have the right to good health and breathe clean air.”

This message was emphasized during the Smoke Free Baguio Community Orientation held Tuesday at the City Hall multi-purpose hall spearheaded by the Health Services Office (HSO) and the Smoke Free Baguio Task Force.

Around 150 participants joined the halfday activity composed of the city’s SanggunianKabataan (SK) officers, principals and teachers of public and private elementary and secondary schools, media workers, and other guests.

Mayor Mauricio Domogan delivered an inspirational message while Dr. Celia Brillantes of the HSO gave the

welcome remarks. Smoke Free project coordinator DiahreenBugnay lectured on the health effects of smoking and other tobacco products and lawyer Ivy Grail Assayco oriented the participants on City Ordinance No. 34, series 2017, or the Smoke Free Baguio Ordinance.

Smoke Free Project team head Celia Agpaoa revealed that the group has earlier conducted a similar activity for local barangay officials and will schedule more orientations for other sectors to ensure that everybody contributes in making the city smoke-free.

Domogan stressed the full cooperation and participation of every sector is needed if the Summer Capital hopes to achieve a Smoke Free city since everybody has the right to good health and breathe clean air.

He also reminded those in government who are still smoking to quit the deadly habit and serve as examples to the public.

For his part, councilor Joel Alangsab, principal author of the Smoke Free Baguio Ordinance, said he has already met with lawyers groups and was able to get their assurance that they will support the measure.

The Smoke Free Baguio Ordinance prohibits the use, sale, distribution and advertisement of cigarettes and other tobacco products (including ecigarettes/ vapes) in certain places, imposing penalties and providing funds thereof.