Thousands launch No Smoking Campaign in Sarangani

By JOY R. SEVILLA

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 4, 2013) – Local government officials of Sarangani launched the No Smoking Campaign Friday (October 4) and signified support to it by signing a commitment wall during the 9th BHW Regional Congress held at the Capitol Compound.

Over 3,000 Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) from across the region are in Sarangani for their two-day congress and anti-smoking campaign.

They formed a "NO SMOKING" human chain infront of the Capitol building Friday. 

The campaign was in response to the call of the Department of Health (DOH) and the Smoking Prohibition of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) in all areas of government premises, buildings and grounds, except for open spaces designated as smoking areas, in order to ensure a healthy and productive workforce, as stipulated in Memorandum Circular No. 17, series of 2009.

The No Smoking policy finds basis from the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 (Republic Act 9211) and the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

Board Member Elmer de Peralta, Sangguniang Panlalawigan committee chair on Health, Disaster and Related Services, said in an interview that there was a proposed Ordinance on Anti-Smoking in the province during the 6th Sangguniang Panlalawigan sponsored by former Board Member Norberto Butiong but the ordinance was not approved on the third and final reading.

  

De Peralta, a doctor, asserted that his committee will propose a Non-Smoking Ordinance in the province and will identify non-smoking areas. He added that same policy should be advocated to the mayors of the seven municipalities in Sarangani.

According to the Provincial Health Office (PHO), non smoking is one of the seven ways to a healthy lifestyle.

It was learned that 6 out of the 10 leading causes of death in the Philippines come from smoking cigarettes. The World Health Organization reports that 17.3 million people in the Philippines are engaged in smoking where two people die every minute.

It was also said that every stick of cigarette contains 17,000 chemicals which can weaken the body.

“Hindi lang ang naninigarilyo ang maapektuhan pero pati na rin ang nakakalanghap ng usok, second-hand smoker ang tawag sa mga nakakalanghap ng usok ng sigarilyo,” Dr. Arvin Alejandro, OIC – Provincial Health Officer, said.

He added that PHO commits to achieve sustained and holistic support for the No Smoking policy. (Joy R. Sevilla/ SARANGANI PROVINCIAL OFFICE)