By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco
In observance of June as No-Smoking Month, the Department of Health (DOH) has reminded partner-agencies, schools, universities, colleges and parents to religiously enforce a 100-percent smoke-free school facilities as most classes in the country starts this month.
Health Secretary Janette P. Loreto-Garin warned on the worsening smoking habit of Filipinos citing the 2014 first-quarter Social Weather Station Report, which revealed that nine in 10 (90 percent) of smokers smoke cigarettes daily and they smoke about 10 sticks per day. Moreover, The Philippine Global Adult Tobacco Survey conducted in 2009 revealed that 28.3 percent (17.3 million) of the population aged 15 and over currently smoke tobacco.
“Teachers should act as role models for students and they should remind the youth on the hazards of smoking and strictly implement a 100-percent smoke-free learning institution,” Garin said, adding that under Section 10 of the Republic Act (RA) 9211 (known as Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003), the sale of tobacco products within school perimeters is prohibited.
The health chief added that smoking is banned inside and outside school premises. She added that sale of cigarette and other tobacco products within 100 meters from the school perimeter, playground, or other facility frequented by minors are prohibited. Likewise, sale of cigarettes to minors in stores and by ambulant vendors around schools is prohibited.
However, as stated in RA 9211, the Department of Trade and Industry has the power to implement such kind of access restrictions to tobacco products.
The penalties for violation on all restrictions range from a fine of not less than P500 to not more than P400,000 and imprisonment ranging from 30 days to three years depending on the seriousness of the violation. Moreover, business permits and licenses may also be revoked or canceled.
Meanwhile, the DOH continues its effort to promote the smoking ban in public places by discouraging Tobacco Advertising, Promotion, and Sponsorship (TAPS) on different local-government units, as well as conducting smoking cessation programs and sustaining smoking ban in all government offices and hospitals.
“With an estimated 10 Filipinos dying every hour due to diseases from tobacco products, it is wise never to start the addictive habit of smoking,” Garin concluded.