The city government of Baguio deputized 400 volunteers to strengthen the enforce ment of the “Smoke Free Baguio” ordinance in the 128 barangays.
But Baguio Smoke -Free Task Force head Dr. Donnabel Tuvera, medical officer of the City Health Services office said that more volunteers are needed to cover all the barangays.
Since 2018 a total of 5,335 individuals and 592 establishments were apprehended for violation of Ordinance 034, series of 2017 or the comprehensive smoking ordinance.
Meanwhile the city government will strictly implement the Department of Health memorandum order against selling Vape products without Food and Drugs Administration approval.
Ordinance 34-2017 or the “Smoke-free Baguio” ordinance prohibits the use, sale, distribution, and advertisement of cigarettes and other tobacco products in certain places, imposing penalties, and allotting corresponding funds. It took effect in May 2017.
Under the ordinance, an individual violator pays a minimum of PHP1, 000; PHP2, 000; and PHP3, 000 for the first to third offense, respectively.
An establishment will be fined PHP2, 000; PHP3, 000; and PHP5000 for the first to third offense, plus revocation of business license.
The measure’s purpose is to safeguard public health and ensure the well-being of all its constituents by protecting them from the harmful effects of smoking and tobacco consumption.
The measure shall apply to all persons, whether natural or juridical, whether resident or not, and in all places, found within the territorial jurisdiction of the city government of Baguio.
(PHOTO-BY-ROWENA-DACYON-NIEVA)