The Davao City Vices Regulation Unit (VRU) has announced its program of activities for this year’s celebration of World No Tobacco Day on May 31, 2022.
In an interview on the Madayaw Davao Friday, VRU Head Colonel Hernando Las said they will also be offering free services during the anti-smoking event.
According to Las, the celebration will begin on May 27 with the holding of a tobacco and health awareness seminar in coordination with the NGO, HealthJustice Philippines. This will be followed by a motorcade on May 31, as well as the awarding of a Plaque of Appreciation to the VRU in all police stations, for their continued enforcement of the city’s anti-smoking ordinances.
However, despite the City’s rigorous anti-smoking campaigns, Colonel Las said that the number of public smoking incidences remained significant. From January 2022 to April 2022, the VRU logged 2,020 apprehensions under the smoking ban.
According to the Department of Health, tobacco smoking kills 87, 000 Filipinos each year. For heavy smokers who wish to quit, the VRU said the City Health Office (CHO) offers free pre-consultation on Nicotine Replacement Therapy from Mondays to Fridays, between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CIO
