The City Government of Davao, through the Vices Regulation Unit (VRU), marked the 21st anniversary of the Anti-Smoking Ordinance in a morning motorcade from Magsaysay Avenue to the Almendras Gym Davao City Recreation Center (DCRC) Wednesday, where a special program was held on Wednesday, May 31.
VRU head retired PCol. Hernando Las, during the DCDR News Alert program of 87.5 FM Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) aired on Wednesday, May 31, said the 21st anniversary of the city’s anti-smoking campaign also coincided with World No Tobacco Day. This year’s theme is “We need food, not tobacco.”
The City Government of Davao, through the Vices Regulation Unit (VRU), commemorated the 21st anniversary of the Anti-Smoking Ordinance with a vibrant morning motorcade along Magsaysay Avenue. The procession culminated at the Almendras Gym Davao City Recreation Center (DCRC), where a special program was conducted to mark the occasion.
Retired PCol. Hernando Las, the esteemed head of the VRU, expressed his sentiments during the DCDR News Alert program on 87.5 FM Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Wednesday, May 31. He highlighted that the city’s anti-smoking campaign not only reached a significant milestone of 21 years but also coincided with the global observance of World No Tobacco Day.
This year’s theme, “We need food, not tobacco,” aims to emphasize the importance of prioritizing healthy sustenance over harmful habits.
“Ganina man gud, nag-culmination mi sa Almendras Gym. Bisita namo ang mga police station commanders sa Davao City. Naghatag mi certificates of appreciation sa mga commanders sa ilang cooperation sa amoang campaign sa no smoking (We culminated at the Almendras Gym earlier. Our guests were the police station commanders in Davao City. We gave the commanders certificates of appreciation for their cooperation in our no smoking campaign),” Las said.
He appealed to all station commanders, urging them to continue supporting the VRU in enforcing not only the anti-smoking law but also the liquor ban and the sobriety ordinance.
“Gwapo man gud og naa’y coordination, lisod sa amoa mag-implement kung naa’y hubog (It’s really nice to have coordination, it’s difficult for us to implement when someone is drunk),” he said. “Kung naa man gud ang police, masa dali lang mapatuman ang ordinansya (If the police are there, the ordinance can be implemented easily).”
VRU also recognized 100 percent smoke-free establishments during the program.
From January to April 2023, Las also said that the city generated at least P4 million in fines from violators of anti-smoking, liquor ban, and sobriety ordinances. Violators of these ordinances are penalized.
Anti-smoking violators are fined P1,000 for the first offense and P2,000 for the second offense.
VRU is the lead enforcement of the New Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance in coordination with the Anti-Smoking Task Force.
Anti-smoking violators are fined P1,000 for the first offense and P2,000 for the second offense.
Las urged Dabawenyos, “Unta dili na magpabadlong. Magsigarilyo lang sa designated smoking areas o magtago sila sa sulod sa ilang balay para dili sila madakpan (Don’t be headstrong. Only smoke in designated smoking areas or hide inside their house so they don’t get caught).”
The VRU provides a Smoking Cessation Program, issuance of a permit to sell cigarettes, issuance of a certificate of compliance for designated outdoor smoking areas, and smoking awareness lectures.
For inquiries, contact VRU at telephone number (082)-224 0079 or email vru@davaocity.gov.ph.
Meanwhile, the Davao City Health Office, on its Facebook page, underscored that they offer nicotine replacement therapy consultation for those who wish to quit smoking. CIO
