By Gaby Keith
BAGUIO CITY
-- World Health Organization (WHO) representative to the Philippines Dr.
Gundo Weiler cited the city government headed by Mayor Mauricio Domogan for
passage of its smoke-free Baguio Ordinance showing the city’s commitment in
eradicating a deadly vice that kills millions of people worldwide annually.
He said tobacco smoking does not only adversely affect the health of
smokers themselves but even innocent bystanders like their family, workmates
and friends due to second hand smoke. The cost of smoking to the economy
is also considerable in terms of workers’ productivity, Weiler said.
Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Charito Plaza
also lauded local officials for the city’s comprehensive anti-smoking ordinance
and is hoping that this will be replicated by other local government
units.
“As part of its best practices, PEZA will require all other economic
zones nationwide to follow the example, as this is a living testimony to how we
can show concern for the health and welfare of our employees, their families,
and the entire nation,” she added.
They were the guests of honor during the Smoke Free Revolution campaign
Monday at Loakan spearheaded by the WHO and Department of Health in partnership
with the PEZA-Baguio City Economic Zone (BCEZ) and city government.
Also giving messages were DOH regional director Amelita Pangilinan, city
councilor Joel Alangsab, principal author of the Smoke Free Baguio ordinance
and PEZA-BCEZ administrator Rene Joey Mipa.
The campaign urges the private sector to commit to smoke-free workplaces
and encourage their employees to quit smoking. Prior to its launch
in Baguio, the campaign has been rolled out in various cities across Asia.
“Revolution Smoke Free envisions a future where all types of
workplaces from different industries are free from tobacco smoke.
Business leaders are at the forefront of progress and innovation. As drivers
of change in their industries, they have the power to spur a movement towards a
future with healthier and safer working environments.” Weiler explained.
The Summer Capital was chosen as venue for the launching because of the
alignment of the campaign’s objective to the city’s commitment to prioritize
public health thru a comprehensive anti-smoking measure.
Earlier, Mayor Mauricio Domogan said that government and other concerned
sectors must act with urgency “to denormalize the culture of smoking and
tobacco consumption not only in our economic zone but across the city so
we can save the lives of our people.”
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