Can there be a sustainable stand on smoking?

TODAY, the New Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance takes effect. In the days leading up to this one, discussions about the new ordinance’s ramifications have come to a fever pitch.

Today, every one will be looking out, some to catch those violating the new ordinance and some to avoid being caught. In the fast-paced world we live in, however, how long can we expect people’s minds to stay on this?

Recently, people have been talking about Vice Ganda and his jokes. The social networks are teeming with discussions and opinions on it clashing with each other. In the blink of an eye, the netizens are experts on all matters concerning the spat between the two parties. Right now, Vice Ganda is the flavor of the week.

Then again, just last week everyone had something to say about Dan Brown. Passions were just as hot as the title of Brown’s book, “Inferno.” Some vehemently defended Brown’s depiction of Manila, agreeing with it and calling it accurate. On the other hand, MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino defended Manila, going so far to send an open letter to Dan Brown, disagreeing with Brown’s view of Manila and calling it the opposite, an “entry to heaven.” Once again, everyone had their say, but before this was yet another discussion which is also now buried somewhere in the back of people’s minds.

Two weeks ago, political opinions were king. Everyone was suddenly a political analyst. People around the country rallied support for their bets in public office, trying to convince others to support those who shared their political agenda. A large number of people complained that their senatorial bets had lost to someone who had almost no experience in public office, but now there is no more bullying of politicians. Now there is no cry of disappointment for the loss of someone to carry a political will into the national front.

The ever-shifting minds of people nowadays brings us to something that may be a problem; how long will this new ordinance be strictly implemented until the people decide that there are more important things to focus on, or lawmakers and law enforcers shift their focus onto other things?

The new ordinance seems to promise Davao to become the prime example for smoke prevention in Southeast Asia. The city’s anti-smoking campaign had begun 11 years ago, and the citizens are proud that the city stands as a role model for smoke free cities, yet we ourselves can see that the city is still not 100% free from violators.

But, perhaps this new ordinance is our chance. Being one of the role models for smoke free cities, it should be believed that if any city can do it, Davao City would be the one. The only way to succeed however, is through sustainability.

Not only the sustainability of the law enforcers to push smoking out of Davao City, but sustainabiliy in the mindset of all Dabwenyos to see the ordinance through.