ILOILO City – In the lead-up to the 2024 Dinagyang Festival, the Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Task Force (ICAST) is reminding residents and visitors that the anti-smoking ordinance will be strictly enforced.
Smoking and vaping in public places and conveyances is prohibited under Regulation Ordinance 2014-527.
ICAST chief Iñigo Garingalao issued the reminder nearly two weeks before the festival’s main events, scheduled for January 27 and 28. He emphasized that the Dinagyang Festival does not exempt anyone from following the no smoking and vaping rules.
To ensure compliance, ICAST personnel will be deployed throughout the city to monitor and enforce the ordinance.
During the opening salvo on Jan. 12, there were a few violators caught smoking, possibly due to public awareness of the ordinance and visible signage, said Garingalao.
The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), led by Police Colonel Joeresty Coronica, supports ICAST’s campaign. It has also issued a public advisory to reinforce the anti-smoking and vaping regulations.
“As we prepare for the Dinagyang Festival 2024, we remind everyone that smoking or vaping in public places, including festival venues and nearby areas, is strictly not allowed,” the ICPO advisory read.
Violators will face penalties, including a P1,000 fine and/or three days imprisonment for the first offense; P1,500 fine and/or five days imprisonment at the discretion of the court on the second offense, increasing to P5,000 and/or 10 days imprisonment by the third offense.
Businesses violating the ordinance will face a fine of P5,000 for the first offense; one month suspension of business permit for second offense; and revocation of business permit for the third offense.
Small businesses with capital below P5,000 will face adjusted fines and potential imprisonment.
This year’s ati-ati tribes competition on Jan. 28 will feature eight school-based tribes. The Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan 2024 on Jan. 27 will showcase nine competing tribes from various local festivals./PN
