TABUK CITY, Kalinga – An ordinance promoting a smoke-free environment in public and enclosed spaces within the city is being pushed to safeguard public health and instill health consciousness among the people of Tabuk.
Proposed by Councilor Ivan Yannick Bagayao, the “Comprehensive Smoke-Free Ordinance of Tabuk City” aims to regulate the use, sale, distribution, and advertisement of cigarettes, vapes, and other tobacco products, as well as provide support for tobacco users to quit.
“It’s high time that we promote our city as smoke-free like Baguio City and Quezon City to protect the citizens from the harmful effects of tobacco in public spaces, especially since a lot of minors nowadays are visibly seen smoking vapes in public spaces,” Bagayao said.
The ordinance prohibits smoking 10 meters away from identified public spaces or crowded areas; prohibits the sale of cigarettes 100 meters away from places usually frequented by minors; prohibits the sale of cigarettes and electronic cigarettes (“vapes”) to minors; and regulates tobacco advertising promotions and sponsorship.
Key provisions of the said ordinance also include a cessation program and services from the City Health Services Office and rural health centers to help smokers quit their smoking habits, and it will create a task force that will monitor its strict implementation.
Violators will be faced with penalties, which include fines for the 1st and 2nd offenses, community service, and/or imprisonment for the 3rd and succeeding offenses.
Establishments that fail to follow the imposed rules will also be faced with penalties, confiscation of products, or revocation or suspension of their license permits.
The ordinance aligns with calls from the Department of Health and the Department of Interior and Local Government urging local governments to enact comprehensive tobacco control policies.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod will further deliberate on the ordinance before its approval and implementation. By Ruth Cupang
