TADIAN, Mtn. Prov.– The municipal government of Tadian bagged the Red Orchid Award this year during the conduct of the Gawad Kalusugan program on November 16, 2018, a recognition given by the Department of Health (DOH) for strictly enforcing a smoke free environment which was conceptualized to combat tobacco use and for a tobacco free community.
The Red Orchid Award is an annual search for the 100% attainment of smoke free environments covering government workplaces, hospitals and Local Government Units. It is said that in order for the applicant to receive the award, necessary policies and direct implementation thereof to attain positive response in achieving 100% smoke-free offices, schools, public places, LGUs and other congregations should be undertaken.
The award includes PhP 40,000.00, plaque of appreciation and a tablet worth PhP 5,800.00 intended for information-education campaigns on anti-smoking.
In an interview with Tadian Mayor Anthony D. Wooden, such award was garnered as a result of the initiative of the current administration through the issuance of an Executive Order Number 51 series of 2016 strictly institutionalizing and implementing Municipal Ordinance NO. 3, S. of 2008 prohibiting smoking in public conveyances, assembly halls, health centers, government offices, classrooms restaurants/eateries, snack bars and other gathering centers except in duly designated smoking areas.
The regulating of smoking, selling, distribution and advertisement of tobacco products and imposing penalties for violations thereof in the Municipality of Tadian has contributed a lot in garnering the award.
Further, the mayor vowed that with or without the award, he will continue to support anti-smoking campaigns and programs and to enforce anti-smoking drives in accord not only with the executive order and municipal ordinance but also in support of the national program as required by the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 and Memorandum Circular 17 Section 2009 of the Civil Service Commission which prohibits smoking in public places for Tadian to become a fully smoke free municipality.
Meantime, due to collaborative efforts, the sister municipalities– Sabangan, Bauko, Tadian, Barlig and Tubo, Abra dubbed as SaBaTaBaTu– also bagged the first price in the search for the best performing Service Delivery Network or Inter Local Zone.
The award included a plaque of appreciation and cash amounting to PhP 250,000.00. An initial plan was conducted that the cash prize will be used in Inception Workshops if the Department of Health will approve it.
According to Dr. Ruth Ann Sabling Baloas, Tadian MHO, the sister municipalities’ best practice is the contribution of 300,000 pesos for the conduct a yearly rotational medical/dental mission and the like to enhance the health characteristics of the communities. ARIS/OCB
