like pagpanagtag sang posters,” he furthered.
Garingalao also debunked the idea that using e-cigarettes is safer than conventional cigarettes, as it is misleading and even propagates the habit of smoking among students.
He added that the anti-smoking campaign does not stop at apprehending smokers as it should need collaborative efforts among stakeholders, including the education and health sectors, as well as the parents of the students.
“Ang aton nga mga ginikanan should also be aware of this. Ang anti-smoking and anti-vaping needs holistic approach and collaboration as it is behavioral, cultural, addiction [health issues], so, this should be a community work,” Garingalao explained.
The Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Ordinance penalizes individuals caught smoking in prohibited places with P1,500 and/or three days imprisonment at the discretion of the court for the first offense; P2,000 and/or five days imprisonment at the discretion of the court for the second offense, and P5,000 and/or 10 days imprisonment at the discretion of the court for the third offense.
Establishments without designated smoking areas or allow smoking in non-designated areas, on the other hand, are fined P2,000 on the first offense, P3,000 for second offense, and P5,000 or cancellation of their business permit on the third offense. (AAL/JNH/PIA6 Iloilo)