Taguig residents intensify campaign against smoking.
ACCORDING to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos Jr., it would be best for other local government units not only in Metro Manila but in other parts of the country as well have to emulate the initiatives of the local government of Malabon with regards to its anti-smoking implementation.
Abalos cited how Malabon City has been implementing its City Ordinance No. 14-2018, which bans smoking (including vape and e-cigarettes) in selected and identified public spaces, government buildings, schools, hospitals and public vehicles and terminals where barangay officials and members of the Barangay Security Force have the authority to enforce their smoke free policy.
“Tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke is dangerous. Hence, we have to keep ourselves healthy amidst the pandemic to avoid respiratory diseases as well as Covid-19 complications,” the former Mandaluyong City mayor pointed out.
Aside from enforcing the city ordinance seriously, other initiatives being made by Malabon authorities include posting of the copy of ordinance in barangay bulletin boards, public awareness campaign by utilization of public address system, development of barangay maps showing the points of reference like schools and playgrounds among others.
In support to the MMDA chief’s desire to propose a stricter policy against smoking, the agency’s Health and Environmental Protection Office director Dr. Loida Alzona said that in order to pursue such a program similar to Malabon, capacity building among barangay officials and members must be intensified.
“Through the conduct of capacity building, it would give them a broader view of the proper implementation of the ordinance against smoking. Apart from capacity building, coordination with neighboring barangays is highly recommended,” Alzona stressed.
Last month, the MMDA conducted training for the members of Malabon City Smoke-Free Task Force held at Malabon City Hall to equip them with knowledge and skills in the implementation of their local ordinance on smoke free environment. A total of 29 barangay officials and personnel participated in the training.
(Photo courtsey: Metro News Central)
