‘No smoking’ now implemented in San Fernando, La Union

SAN FERNANDO, La Union– This city has started implementing a firmer policy against smoking in public places last weekend, adding to a growing number of local government units in the province that is moving towards smoke-free zones.

City Ordinance No. 2014-02 or the smoke-free ordinance took effect on Dec. 19, 2015, repealing a similar anti-smoking ordinance 2011-05 which was first implemented in 2011.

The new 12-page ordinance is more comprehensive and detailed compared to the five-page ordinance in 2011. It is also part of the city’s bid to the much- coveted Red Orchid Award which is given by the Department of Health to 100 percent tobacco-free environments.

The city government was given the White Orchid Award in 2012 and 2014 and the Pink Orchid Award in 2013 following the implementation of the original antismoking law.

The White and Pink Orchid awards are given to LGUs, government offices and hospitals which are 75 percent to 89 percent smoke-free.

Other La Union local governments that have strong anti-smoking campaigns include Bauang and San Gabriel towns.

Under the new ordinance, smoking or inhaling electronic cigarettes and similar devices in public areas and advertisement of tobacco products are not allowed.

It also imposed a stiffer penalty for individual violators from 500 in the old law to 1,000 under the new policy.

Both ordinances, however, charge a 5,000 fine to establishments and individuals who will be caught selling tobacco products.

City Health employee Dino Duclayan, anti-smoking coordinator, said that anti-smoking ordinances are aimed at safeguarding the health of all residents and workers in the city, both smokers and non-smokers.

“The smoke-free legislation seeks to protect non-smokers of the harmful effects of tobacco products, to keep the minors from being initiated to cigarette smoking and tobacco use and to instill health consciousness and change of mindset among smokers,” said Duclayan.

He said the new law complements the city’s smoke cessation program.

“All violators will be introduced to the program. They will be given lectures on anti-smoking to encourage them to quit smoking. They can also be referred to the smoke cessation clinic at Ilocos Training and Medical Center here to avail of guidance and counseling,” Duclayan added.

Moreover, a task force headed by the city health officer was created to aid in the implementation, enforcement and monitoring of the smoke-free ordinance.

Other members include the mayor, chair of the committee on health and wellness of the city council, health education and promotion officer, legal officer, information officer, building officer, police personnel, among others.

As of Dec. 30 last year, three individuals have been found violating the ordinance.

To push the smoke-free ordinance, a 100-day countdown to a smoke-free city was launched at the City Hall on Sept. 10 where Mayor Ortega solicited the support and cooperation of the different stakeholders in achieving the objectives of the new ordinance.