IGaCoS holds anti-smoking forum

ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL- The strong desire to end smoking and promote healthy lifestyle and healthy environment, Davao Del Norte Hospital (DDNH)– IGaCoS  Zone  called a Forum with  Stakeholders  on Smoke Cessation Program  at the  Conference Room of the Administrative Building, Penaplata, Samal Dostrict on February 20.

About 50 establishment owners and managers within 100 meters  from the hospital were invited for the forum aimed to enhance awareness on the Smoke Cessation Program of the hospital pursuant to Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular no. 17,  Department of Health Administrative Order No. 2009-0010 and IGaCoS City Ordinance no. 2013-223 also known as “An Ordinance Approving the Comprehensive Anti-Smoking of the Island Garden City of Samal.

During the consultation–forum, the owners of the establishments were requested to prohibit selling cigarette or e cigarette and or allow tobacco promotional advertisements around the hospital vicinity as the hospital aimed a  smoke free hospital compound.

Committee on Health and Sanitation Chairman City Councillor Hon. Napoleon Roberto C. Villarica appreciated the initiative made by  Davao Del Norte Hospital-Samal Zone  especially upholding healthy lifestyle through the Smoking Cessation Program in accordance to the City Ordinance on Anti-Smoking  which he sponsored.

Hon. Villarica explained the City Ordinance on Anti-Smoking specifically section 7 on the Total  Ban  of selling  all kinds of cigarettes  products within 100 meters from all government premises; prohibition of   promotional advertisements within all government premises  and prohibition on accepting sponsorships.  He, however, said any person can smoke only in area/room  duly designated by the management as smoking area  of the establishment but not violating the ordinance.

DDNH-IGaCoS Zone Smoking Cessation Program In-Charge Frank C. Supangan presented the established Smoke Cessation Clinic as the hospital’s initiative in support to help curb smoking habit.  He said the clinic offers counselling, lecture on the importance of healthy lifestyle and ill effects of smoking and other programs to help facilitate end smoking habit.

Participants of the forum  signified their support to the program by indicating their signature at the prepared tarpaulin on  Smoking  Cessation Program Pledge of Commitment.

City Health Officer Dr. Dennis Carlos  Flores  lauded  the moved initiated by DDNH –IGaCoS Zone, in its pursuit for a smoke free hospital  and assured CHO’s support to the Smoke Cessation Program.

Philippine National Police Chief of Police P/Supt Benedicto Frias Faco present during the forum expressed support to the program since he himself don’t smoke.  Faco stressed their responsibility to apprehend violators of the anti-smoking ordinance.  He also cited Security Service Unit of the city government and Barangay Tanods  who were also authorized and empowered to arrest violators.

The city government of IGaCoS in coordination and support of the national agencies and private sectors implement programs and projects  to improve the welfare of the people, the constituents as well were encouraged to cooperate and support the program  and be law abiding citizen. (MTA Samal cio.)