Smoke-free Baguio training for bocaps held

A first batch of around 50 barangay officials attended a “SmokeFree Baguio Orientation” held October 16 and 17 at El Cielito hotel here conducted by the city government thru the Health Services Office (HSO) under Dr. Rowena Galpo in cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO).

Topics discussed by WHO and HSO speakers including Dr. Catherine Posadas during the two-day activity centered on the negative impact of smoking on health, environment, the economy and others. Provisions of Ordinance No. 34 series of 2017 or the SmokeFree Baguio Ordinance were also explained to the participants.

Councilor Joel Alangsab, the measure’s main proponent, said similar trainings will be conducted for other barangay officials who will be deputized to help in the ordinance’s implementation in their respective jurisdictions.

He echoed Mayor Mauricio Domogan’s earlier appeal for all sectors, especially those in the barangays, to cooperate and assist in the ordinance’s implementation and enforcement since the local government cannot do it alone.

Alangsab said the measure’s purpose is to safeguard public health and ensure their wellbeing by protecting them from the harmful effects of smoking and tobacco consumption.

Dr. Donnabel Tubera, Medical Officer IV, said the ordinance 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 out- side of one’s private residence or private place of work, except in duly designated smoking areas (DSAs).

The measure applies to all persons, whether natural or juridical, whether resident or not, and in all places, found within the territorial jurisdiction of the Baguio city government.

She said that a DSA is an outdoor space, duly approved by the City Health Officer, where smoking and/ or vaping may be allowed without violating the ordinance, that meets the following requirements: It shall be located in an open space outside the

building with no permanent or temporary roof or walls in an outdoor area; it is not located in or within ten meters from entrances, exits, or any place where people pass or congregate; it shall not have an area larger than 10 square meters; food or drinks are not served; no building shall have more than one designated smoking area; minors shall not be allowed inside; it has the following signage highly visible and prominently displayed: “SMOKING AREA”, “MINORS NOT ALLOWED” and graphic health warnings on the effects of tobacco use; and it shall not be located in places where absolute smoking bans are in effect.-