La Trinidad smoke-free law takes effect January

By Susan Aro

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet --  The smoke-free ordinance of this capital town will take effect next month.   

Mayor Romeo Salda,  the  Municipal Tobacco Control Board (MTCB) chairperson,  called for a  meeting Dec. 13 to discuss full-blast implementation  of said ordinance.

Ordinance No. 8-2014 regulates smoking, selling, distribution and advertisement of tobacco products and imposing penalty for violations.

The ordinance penalizes offenders who smoke in smoke-free areas; establishments selling, giving or distributing tobacco product to minors; selling, distributing and advertising tobacco products in a school, public playground or any other facility frequented by minors or within one hundred meters from any point of the perimeter of these places; purchasing of products from minors, using, buying or selling tobacco products by minors; advertisement of tobacco products outside premises of establishments; and toleration of violations and failure to perform duties by persons in charge.

Launched last year, the supposed implementation this year was stalled due to the conduct of simultaneous national and local elections, said Dr. Genevieve Degay, Medical Officer III of the Municipal Health Services Office and co-vice chairperson of the MTCB.

But despite the lull, advocacy and information education campaign activities were in place in barangays, among various organizations and sectors after its launching, Degay added.   

In engaging sectors with crucial roles such as the La Trinidad Women’s Brigade, Philippine National Police personnel and Barangay Health Workers, series of orientation were held from September to early part of December. Likewise, members of the board and the Smoking Control Enforcement Unit were oriented in separate occasions.

The manual of operations was presented for approval last September while the final Implementing Rules and Regulations was out last October.

Additional billboards will also be installed in strategic locations. Posters and other forms of materials indicating the “No Smoking” policy for the community to be informed will be posted in conspicuous spaces.

Members of the religious sector have expressed their strong support and commitment in advocating the program through spiritual reforms, Degay said.

While there are corresponding penalties and fines for said violations, the spirit to promote healthy environment is still the main intent of said legal measure, Degay said.