LEGAZPI CITY(PIA5/Albay) — The Smoke-Free committee inspection team assessed approximately 68 government, public, and private establishments  from August 1 to 8, for their regular Tuesday and Thursday inspections.

This is part of the annual search for Non-Monetary 100% Smoke Free Legazpi as the celebration of the National Lung Month commenced this August.

‘’This project aims to give recognition to smoke free compliant business establishments, academe, universities, schools, barangay halls, hospitals and offices in the city of Legazpi,’’ City Health Office (CHO) Legazpi Head Dr. Fulbert Alce R. Gillego said

The inspection will continue until October 31, current year. 

Some of the observations recorded by the team in their inspected establishments are evidence that they are tolerating their employees or other individuals to smoke, basing it on the discovered cigarette butts within their area, lack of ‘no smoking’ signage and the absence of a valid permit of their declared Designated Smoking Area (DSA). 

Compliance

To achieve 100% smoke-free compliance, establishments should meet required conditions set by the CHO.

According to CHO enforcement unit team leader Jose B. Balbin establishments should secure a permit for their DSA.

‘’The DSA should be 10 meters away from the main entrance and main exit of a building,’’ Balbin said.

Balbin noted that establishments can avail of a DSA permit through the submission of  application letter to the City Engineering Office along with their floor plan.

Consequently, establishments should ensure that a ‘No Smoking’ signage with eight (8) by 16 size should be posted in visible areas such as doors, and walls.

Those who were issued with tickets due to their violations should pay at the city treasurer's office within three working days.

‘’We do not ban smoking in Legazpi City, we are regulating it to protect the health of the community,’’ Gillego reiterated.

City Ordinance No. 0007-2009 of Legazpi aims is to regulate, promote a healthy environment and protect the citizens against the danger of smoking.

Balbin disclosed that Legazpi is set to push for the enhanced ordinance on the regulation of smoking.

‘’If the enhanced ordinance is approved, the penalty is higher than the existing ordinance, for example individual will be meted with a P1,000 penalty for the first offense, from 1,000 it will be P1,500 for the second and 2,000 for third offense,’’ Balbin said.

He also shared the advantage of the proposed enhanced city ordinance.

‘’Individuals meted with a penalty can choose if they will pay the fine, or conduct community service,’’ Balbin said.

Smokers can also enroll in the smoking cessation clinic, with free medication and supplement.

Balbin enjoined the public to cooperate and comply with the existing city ordinance to avoid penalties and help to achieve a healthy and clean environment. (PIA5/Albay)