LEGAZPI CITY – With already two awards and counting, this pioneer city for a smoke-free environment in Albay is tremendously motivated to further tighten the ordinance that prohibits consumption of tobacco products in public places.
“For the second time, Legazpi City was recognized as one of the 100 percent Tobacco-Free cities in the Philippines on the DOH ‘Red Orchid Awards’ held last May 31, 2011 in line with the World No Tobacco Day at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Pasig City,” City Mayor Geraldine Rosal said.
Rosal received the award together with Ms. Rosemarie O. Orbita (ADD+VANTAGE), Dr. Fulbert Alec Gillego, City Health Officer of Legazpi, Pastor Deodato Quintela, Enforcement Coordinator, City Administrator Noel Rosal and AkoBicol Partylist Representative Alfredo E. Garbin, Jr.The DOH Red Orchid Awards 2011 aims to commend the 100 percent Smoke-Free provinces, municipalities, cities, government offices, Department of Health (DOH) Centers for Health Development (CHDs) and Government Hospitals.
The Technical Working Group (TWG) Validation Team is considered its assessment based on the “MPOWER” strategy which stands for Monitor tobacco use and prevention policies; Protect people from tobacco smoke; Offer help to quit tobacco use; Warn against the danger of tobacco; Enforce ban s on tobacco advertising; and Raise taxes on tobacco.
“The award given to Legazpi City inspired the City Officials to continuously promote and implement a 100% Smoke-Free Legazpi City and to extend this to the neighboring cities and municipalities. This also serves as a challenge to work harder for the years to come,” Mayor Rosal said.
The local government of Legazpi City received a Plaque of Recognition, Tarpaulin, and a monetary award amounting to P100, 000 worth of medicines.
City Mayor Geraldine Rosal assures that her governance will strengthen the implementation of the anti-smoking program its full enforcement of the Smoke-Free Ordinance in Legazpi.
Beverly Jaca/Jo Felizardo
