Bontoc, Mtn. Prov. – The Provincial Local Government Unit here spearhead the observance of World No Tobacco Day and the No Smoking Month this June last Thursday, May 31, 2018, with the theme “Tobacco and Heart Diseases.”
May 31 is declared by the World Health Organization as No Tobacco Day to be celebrated every year. The Provincial Government of Mountain Province likewise declared the same day of every year as “No Tobacco Day” in the province through Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 2016-72.
The localized observance intends to encourage the participation, support and commitment of all government entities and other stakeholders in promoting the general welfare, health and safety of the public. It aims to intensify public awareness on the harmful effects of smoking and the added health risks associated with tobacco.
This year’s celebration started with a parade and was followed by a simple program at the Provincial Plaza. Employees from the provincial government, national line agencies, local government units, academe, members of the Provincial Anti-Smoking Task Force and other stakeholders showed their support by participating in the event. The stakeholders marched with their anti-smoking placards to draw attention to the harmful effects of prevalent tobacco use.
Vice Governor Francis O. Tauli who rendered an “uggayam” (song) during his opening remarks imparted to the public negative effects of smoking tobacco while asking the sincere commitment of the stakeholders to protect the public, especially the non-smokers who are being exposed to second hand carcinogenic smoke.
Records from the World Health Organization show that globally, millions are dying every year from tobacco-related diseases which include heart diseases. Tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke contributes to 12 percent of all heart disease deaths.
Provincial Administrator and Chairperson of the Provincial Anti-Smoking Task Force (PASTF) Amador P. Batay-an said that the observance of “No Tobacco Day” will usher the observance of June as No-Smoking Month in the country.
In his message, Batay-an advised the smokers to quit the habit for their own good. He said that the Provincial Government will be strict in implementing the no smoking policy in government premises and has not designated any smoking area to support the establishment of a smoke-free environment.
He reminded on the provisions of Executive Order No. 26 entitled “Providing for the Establishment of Smoke-Free Environments in Public and Enclosed Places” that was signed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte which prohibits and penalize the act of smoking in public places.
Batay-an also asked the cooperation of the business sector because the executive order prohibits the selling or distribution of tobacco products in or within 100 meters from schools, public playgrounds and recreational facilities for minors or any youth shelters. The executive order also prohibits stores from selling cigarettes to minors.
The Provincial Administrator further called on the general public to help the government in informing others about the no smoking policy in public places and on the dangers of smoking tobacco products.
One public employee who used to smoke gave his testimonial during the program urging the smokers to quit for the right reasons. He said that one must consider the effects of nicotine to his or her health, family or the people surrounding him/her that are exposed to second hand smoke.
Meanwhile, Dr. Nenita D. Lizardo, Provincial Health Officer II acknowledged the capital town of Bontoc for passing a no-smoking ordinance which is ready for implementation. He encouraged all the other municipal LGUs to pass ordinances supporting the anti-smoking program.
Since this year’s theme revolves on the relationship of smoking with heart disease, Lizardo urged everyone to never try smoking and for the smokers to quit the habit to spare themselves from diseases arising from tobacco-use. She said that smoking or tobacco-use is the number two cause of heart diseases. **Erwin S. Batnag