Smoking ban now includes no smoking practice in homes

MAASIN CITY – The smoking ban in this city is stepping to a higher level by pushing prohibition of smoking practice in homes with the local government expressing concern on the impact of second hand smoke to children’s health.

Mayor Maloney Samaco said that their campaign is now focused on encouraging parents to quit smoking for the welfare of other household members.
 “We cannot really force people to quit smoking but we can encourage them to stop the practice by educating them,” he added.
 The city government expressed concern that the smoking ban in public places and public utility vehicles has prompted people to smoke inside their homes, which affect children’s health.
 A sticker which wrote “Care for Kids & Others, This is a ….No Smoking Home” has been distributed in the city. The target is to post at home and will caution visitors, including residents of said house that smoking is not allowed inside.
 The city launched the no-smoking ban in March 31, 2009. They bagged the “Red Orchids” Awards in 2010 and last year for strictly implementing the local anti-smoking ordinance in support to the national law, known as the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003.
 The implementation of anti-smoking campaign is in compliance to the Department of Health Administrative Order 2009-0010 on the comprehensive 100% smoke-free environment policy. (SARWELL Q. MENIANO)