BAGUIO CITY – The city government thru the Health Services Office will conduct a “Revolution Smoke Free” event endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) on November 26, starting 8 am, at the Baguio City Economic Zone in Loakan aimed at encouraging work places in various industries to be free from tobacco smoke.
City health officer Rowena Galpo said the whole-day activity also hopes to increase the public’s awareness of the Baguio City Smoke Free Ordinance (Ord. No. 34, series of 2017) that prohibits the use, sale, distribution and advertisement of cigarettes (including e-cigarettes/vapes) and other tobacco products in certain places and imposing penalties on violators.
More than two thousand have already been caught and penalized for violating the ordinance since January this year according to a report of the Smoke Free Task Force chaired by Mayor Mauricio Domogan.
She said the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has signified to join the campaign by encouraging all their locators to take part in the Eco-Zone Workers’ Welfare Program.
Attending the event are WHO representatives led by Dr. Gundo Aurel Weiler, Department of Health officials headed by Undersecretary Rolando Enrique Domingo, local officials headed by Mayor Domogan, and other concerned agencies.
The top officials will deliver messages during the program with Weiler also giving a presentation. Included in the program are the formal opening of the PEZA lubong fair, a tree planting activity, press conference, cultural presentation, and others.
Galpo said highlighting the activity will be a commitment signing in support of the Revolution Smoke Free program by WHO, DOH, city officials and office heads including locator and workplace owners or managers , guests and other participants.**gaby keith
