Vigilant Anti-Smoking Efforts in Davao City Reach Milestone of 23 Years
In observance of World No Tobacco Day on May 29, the City Government of Davao will commemorate the 23rd anniversary of its Anti-Smoking Campaign, spearheaded by the Vice Regulation Unit (VRU).
The celebration will commence with a motorcade at 8:00 a.m., followed by public education sessions on the detrimental effects of tobacco. Davao City officials, representatives from various government agencies, and members of the public will participate in the events.
Jalyn Pareja, Focal Person and Acting Assistant Operations Head of VRU, revealed in an interview on city-owned Davao City Disaster Radio that the anti-smoking campaign originated in 2002 under the leadership of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Davao was among the first cities to adopt the no smoking policy in public places.
Pareja emphasized the success of the campaign is not solely due to strict penalties, but also political will, community support, and rigorous law enforcement. She noted that smoking in public places is relatively rare in Davao compared to other areas, where it is common to see smoking in public vehicles and conveniences.
The city's Revised Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance prohibits smoking in public places, government-owned vehicles, accommodations, entertainment establishments, and within 100 meters of schools, playgrounds, or areas frequented by minors, except in designated smoking areas. Minors are also not permitted in these areas.
Violators found smoking in unauthorized areas will be fined PHP 3,000 and required to undergo smoking cessation counseling. Those caught selling or distributing tobacco products to minors will face a fine of PHP 5,000, and business establishments engaging in such practices risk having their licenses revoked or cancelled.
While the search results do not provide specific details about the City Government of Davao's ongoing enforcement efforts, the Philippine government has implemented various anti-smoking initiatives, including the Sin Tax Law. Many cities in the country have their own anti-smoking ordinances, with penalties for smoking in public places. However, enforcement of these laws can be challenging due to the prevalence of smoking and the lack of effective enforcement mechanisms.
- The City Government of Davao, following the traditions set by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, is spearheading a 23-year-old Anti-Smoking Campaign on World No Tobacco Day, commemorating the anniversary in various government-led health-and-wellness activities.
- The City's Revised Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance limits smoking in public places, government-owned vehicles, accommodations, entertainment establishments, and certain public areas, aiming to control the general news of tobacco use and its impact on health and nutrition.
- The success of the Davao Anti-Smoking Campaign is attributed not only to policy-and-legislation but also to the political will, community support, and consistent law enforcement, shown by the rarity of smoking in public places compared to other regions.
- In the event of violating the anti-smoking rules, individuals face fines ranging from PHP 3,000 to PHP 5,000, while businesses engaging in the sale of tobacco products to minors risk having their licenses revoked or canceled.
- Amid the ongoing enforcement efforts in Davao City, the Philippine government has taken broader steps to control tobacco, implementing the Sin Tax Law and encouraging cities to enact local anti-smoking policies to address the issue in the entertainment and business sectors.
