SABANGAN, Mountain Province – The Municipal Police Station in this municipality led by Police Inspector Peter Angyoda was given a Red Orchid Award (100% Smoke-Free Environment) by the Department of Health (DOH) Cordillera Regional Office for its 100% smoke-free environment, as well as its exemplary participation in the advocacy of the agency to attain the Philippine Health Agenda and reduce tobacco use.
The plaque of recognition and tokens were received by Non-Uniformed Personnel (NUP) Lilian Doco on behalf of Sabangan PNP at Country Club, Baguio City on November 27, 2017. For the past six years DOH had been annually awarding government institutions that actively participate in these kinds of searches. Doco, however, stated this is the very first entry of Sabangan PNP.
Sabangan PNP surpassed the criteria in the search since it has 100% effective activities in monitoring tobacco use, 100% policies for smoking prevention, 100% services to help smokers quit, 100% provisions of warning signages against tobacco use, and 100% efficient actions for community protection from smoking ill effects.
Furthermore Doco stated, “It is an honor to be recognized by the DOH and a great privilege as well to intensify our advocacy on anti-smoking law.”
She reiterated that Sabangan PNP, in behalf of all police stations in the country, is working together with the DOH and local government units for the strict enforcement of the Republic Act 9211 Anti-Smoking Law to lessen the smoking habits of Filipinos, if not to eliminate tobacco use. On the CNN Philippines official website, RA 9211 is the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 which regulates the packaging, use, sale distribution, and advertisements of tobacco products. This law was formulated to promote a healthful environment for the general Filipino populace.
Sabangan PNP, however, calls for the participation of the public in this health advocacy. Doco stressed, “A full support from the community people is needed so we can achieve our goal of reducing smoking habits.” This is in line with the DOH’s message through their pamphlets that everyone has the right to breathe clean air free from tobacco smoke, but it begets the responsibility of the general public.
By Hermilita Lagmay
