BALANGA CITY – This city was among the five cities in the country that recently bagged the “Red Orchid” award, the highest citation given by the Department of Health on successful campaign against smoking, City Mayor Jose Enrique Garcia III announced on Monday’s flag-raising ceremony.
The ten-year old component city of Bataan joined the cities of Davao, Legaspi (Albay), Maasin (Leyte), and Roxas (Capiz) in getting the prestigious award.
At least 18 out of 122 cities in the Philippines were first nominated to vie for the highest award and the number later trimmed down to five.
DOH Sec. Enrique Ona signed the citation given last May 31. The five cities bestowed the “Red Orchid” award got ratings of 88 to 100 percent for their tobacco-free environment while other nominees either got pink or white orchid awards.
Aside from the trophy, Balanga received P100,000-worth of essential medicines on tobacco use with Nicotine Replacement Therapy.
Garcia said the city will be observing the local celebration of “World No Tobacco Day” every May 31 with the eye on getting two more “Red Orchid” awards for its inclusion in the Hall of Fame.
For the feat, the mayor gave tribute to city government workers whom he said made the city hall a role model for a smoke-free workplace.
He thanked the City Health Office for leading in the campaign as well as members of the local police and the Public Safety Office who were tasked to implement the ordinances on anti-smoking.
Garcia also cited the City Task Force Kalinisan composed of woman-volunteers who were deputized to monitor and reprimand violators.
He said smokers have realized that the city is implementing a no-nonsense drive against smoking on prohibited places. They have cooperated, the mayor said.
The mayor gave credit to the Sangguniang Panglungsod chaired by Vice Mayor Noel Valdecanas that passed two ordinances in 2008 and 2010.
The first ordinance called only for the regulation of smoking at public places, business establishments and while riding public utility vehicles.
On November 8, 2010, an ordinance with stiffer provisions was passed that bans the selling, distributing to minors, selling and distributing of tobacco products in school, public playground and facilities frequented by minors within 100 meters.
This was patterned after Republic Act 9211 or the Tobacco Control Act that penalizes erring business establishments.
“No Smoking” signboards were installed in conspicuous places. First offender will be fined P500, second offense – P1,000; third – P1,500 and succeeding violations at P3,000.
