SMOKING DEATHS. The harmful effects of smoking are displayed in the packaging of these cigarettes in this undated photo in Baguio City. On April 21, the Smoke-Free Baguio group will open an art exhibit in the Central Business District, featuring 321 pairs of footwear, representing the 321 Filipinos killed by smoking daily. (PNA photo by Liza T. Agoot)
BAGUIO CITY – The city health services office plans to drum up its anti-smoking campaign by displaying 321 pairs of footwear in an art exhibit to represent the 321 Filipinos killed by smoking everyday.
In an advisory, Baguio's Public Information Office (PIO) said the shoes and slippers will be on display at Malcolm Square on April 21, with the help of the Smoke-Free Baguio, a consortium composed of government and non-government organizations fighting the ill effects of smoking.
“The art installation calls for stronger tobacco control policies and reminds the public that tobacco companies are neither friends nor allies,” the advisory said.
In April 2017, the city passed Ordinance 34 prohibiting the use, sale, distribution, and advertisement of cigarettes and other tobacco products in public utility vehicles, government-owned vehicles (mobile and stationary), accommodation and entertainment establishments, public buildings, public places, enclosed public places or any enclosed areas outside one’s private residence or private place of work except in duly designated smoking areas.
The ordinance also prohibits smoking or vaping in public places, workplaces, public conveyances, or other public places except in designated smoking areas duly approved and fully compliant with the requirements.
Persons found violating the local measure are fined PHP1,000, while establishments are slapped with PHP2,000 on the first offense.
The ordinance also mandates community service for any individuals unable to pay the fine.
“We have enforcers who implement and the establishments that do not have designated smoking areas also help remind their customers of the prohibition to smoke even in open space parking areas,” PIO chief Aileen Refuerzo said.
She added that the establishments that wish to apply for a smoking area permit must have an outdoor space that is several meters away from the structure and must not have an enclosure or roofing.
“There is a stringent requirement. That is why there are few establishments with smoking areas,” she said.
Councilor Joel Alangsab, the principal author of the anti-smoking ordinance, said the information campaign is ongoing and even tourists are not exempted from the policy.
“Everybody is covered, even the tourists,” said Alangsab, who also chairs the Committee on Health at the City Council.
He said aside from the Baguio City Police Office, the personnel of the Public Order and Safety Division, and the Community Smoke-Free Task Force members in the 128 barangays also enforce the anti-smoking ordinance. (PNA)
