BAGUIO CITY – Re-elected Rep. Mark Go says leading by example is the best strategy in achieving the local government’s vision of making the Summer Capital a “smoke-free city” during the unveiling of an anti-smoking and vaping signage last week at the Hilltop Market waiting shed with councilor Joel Alangsab, other local government, health, police, barangay officials and members of the Smoke-Free Baguio Task Force (SFBTF).
Go said he never smoked in his life and gave this as a reason why none of his children picked up the deadly habit. “Children may listen to what their parents or elders say but will usually follow what they do, that’s why it is important to lead by example,” he explained.
He revealed that according to a World Health Organization study, around 10,000 people lose their lives to tobacco-related diseases around the world every hour including those affected by second- hand smoke.
Go echoed outgoing-Mayor Mauricio Domogan’s constant appeal for those in government to lead by example in following rules and regulations including the city’s anti-smoking and vaping campaign. The SBFTF reportedly regularly receives reports of government workers who continue to violate the Smoke-Free Baguio Ordinance adopted in 2017.
Go also assured the SBFTF of his office’s full support to the anti-smoking and vaping campaign and said he is willing to be a resource person during task force seminars that encourage people to quit smoking.
The Smoke-Free Baguio Ordinance (Ord. No. 34, series of 2017), principally authored by councilor 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.**gaby keith
