BAGUIO CITY – The Smoke-Free Baguio Task Force (SFBTF) is planning to unveil anti-smoking signages situated in the Summer Capital’s public market and parks with Mayor Mauricio Domogan on June 25 at 8am as part of the city’s continuing implementation of the Smoke-Free Baguio Ordinance that has netted more than P700,000 in fines for the first five months of this year.
SFBTF officer Cecile Agpawa said other activities slated for next month is a strategic planning workshop on July 23 to 26; Smoke Free convention, July 30 and 31; on-going compliance monitoring activities this month and July; visit with Mayor-elect Benjamin Magalong and city council; consultations with the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio and other organizations; a Smoke Free congress; and more.
She claimed that since its adoption in 2017, the anti-smoking ordinance has an awareness level of over 90 percent among local residents due to the continued information, education and media campaigns the SFBTF has been conducting with the support of various organizations and sectors.
The Smoke-Free Baguio Ordinance (Ord. No. 34, series of 2017), principally authored by councilor Joel Alangsab, prohibits the use, sale, distribution and advertisement of cigarettes/e-cigarettes and other tobacco products in certain places, imposing penalties, and providing funds thereof.
If caught smoking or vaping, penalties are P1,000 fine for first offense; P2,000, second; and 3,000, third offense. Penalties for sales/access restriction, ads and promotion are P2,000, first offense; P3,000, second; and P5,000, third offense.
Subsequent offenses are punishable by fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding three months or both at the court’s discretion and suspension or revocation of business license or permit, if applicable.
The task force is currently chaired by outgoing Mayor Mauricio Domogan with city health officer Rowena Galpo as co-chair and action officer. Members include representatives from various concerned government offices and agencies, Department of Education, Baguio City Police Office, non-government organizations, barangays, academe and other sectors.** gaby keith
