BAGUIO CITY – On March 1, 2024, the Cordillera office of the (BJMP-CAR) and its eight jail units were honored to receive the Red Orchid Award of the Department of Health (DOH), accompanied by a cash incentive of PhP15,000 each. Notably, the Baguio City Jail Female Dormitory (BCJ-FD) attained Hall of Fame status by securing the award for three consecutive years. The award ceremony took place at the Baguio City Jail Male Dormitory Chapel during the BJMP CAR’s Regional Management Conference, where Geeny Anne Austria from the DOH-Cordillera Health Promotion Unit and Communications Management Unit presented the awards.
In her brief address to the awardees, Austria commended BJMP CAR for its outstanding initiatives in promoting a healthy workplace, stating, “Model po talaga ang BJMP CAR across all regions and we thank you sa lahat ng initiative na ginagawa ninyo for a healthy workplace.”
The DOH Red Orchid Award is part of an annual recognition program initiated by the DOH to commend government offices, local government units, and other organizations for their successful implementation of tobacco control initiatives and efforts to create a smoke-free environment. This award acknowledges entities that have demonstrated exceptional dedication in enforcing anti-smoking policies, implementing tobacco control programs, and advocating for tobacco-free lifestyles. Through this recognition, it aims to inspire and encourage institutions to actively engage in tobacco control efforts, ultimately contributing to the reduction of smoking prevalence and the protection of public health.
The following are the jail units that have received the said award: Baguio City Jail Male Dormitory headed by JSupt April Rose W. Ayangwa; Ifugao District Jail headed by JCinsp Gannisi W. Olosan; Mt. Province District Jail headed by JSinsp Bartolome B. Tresmanio; Kalinga District Jail headed by JSinsp John S. Melecio; Alfonso Lista District Jail headed by JSinsp Noel G. Dulnuan; La Trinidad District Jail Male Dormitory headed by JInsp Pablo A. Las-egan; La Trinidad Municipal Jail headed by JInsp Norman B. Palangyos and La Trinidad District Jail Female Dormitory headed by SJO4 Euglenna M. Loquio.
BJMP CAR expresses its gratitude for the recognition and reaffirms its commitment to continuously uphold its efforts in promoting a healthy and smoke-free environment within its facilities and beyond. By JO1 Eden Faith S Fataner