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[av_heading heading=’Who’s afraid of nationwide smoking ban? ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY MERIANNE GRACE EREÑETA
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ILOILO City – Ilonggos this paper interviewed welcomed President Rodrigo Duterte’s plan to declare a nationwide ban on smoking in public places.
Foremost among those excited to see the ban enforced is Councilor Joshua Alim, former chairperson of the Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Task Force (ICAST).
“Even after I was stripped of the ICAST chairmanship, I continue to reprimand people I see smoking in public places,” said Alim.
Regulation Ordinance 2013-348 prohibits smoking in public places and conveyances. The Iloilo City government wants to make the city 100-percent smoke-free.
According to Health secretary Pauline Jean Ubial who once served as assistant regional director of the Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas, President Duterte is set to sign an executive order on the nationwide smoking ban before this month ends.
At least 10 Filipinos die every hour from tobacco-related diseases, Ubial said.
The 19-year-old Kevin Patrick Casipe told Panay News the ban is most welcome because a healthy citizenry results to a better nation.
“Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. We must take care of our bodies, it is God’s gift,” said Casipe, cluster head of the Iloilo Youth for Christ.
An officer of the West Visayas State University – College of Communication Student Council, Casipe also said smoking is “not beneficial.”
A fourth year Broadcasting student, John Ignacios Sala, said “smoking kills.”
“Even children below 18 are addicted to smoking already,” he told Panay News.
In a 2015 study, Western Visayas ranked third among regions with a high percentage of youth smokers (15 to 24 years old), said John Lapascua, senior health program officer of DOH Region 6.
“In Region 6, 22.1 percent of our youth are smokers; that’s one in every five students or two in every 10 students,” said Lapascua.
In Davao City where Duterte served as mayor for some three decades, an anti-smoking ordinance had been in effect since 2002. He vowed to replicate the ban on a national scale.
The ordinance prohibits smoking in government-owned vehicles, accommodation and entertainment establishments, partially enclosed public spaces, public buildings and public outdoor spaces.
Davao City residents are also prohibited from smoking in concerts, rallies, and other public gatherings.
A saleslady from Passi City, on the other hand, said the smoking ban is a big help to asthmatics like her. She declined to be identified.
Wellness coach Beng Montalban, 48, said the ban is beneficial to everybody, not just those with asthma.
“It can prevent children from developing asthma. It is good for pregnant women and even the elderly. The ban will protect us from lung diseases. It will also slow down aging, prevent impotence and infertility,” said Montalban.
The ban will also reduce incidents of fire, most especially at home, he added.
Even a smoker of almost three years welcomed the nationwide smoking ban. “Smoking is not a good habit,” admitted Reyfel who declined to give his first name.
From his observations, Reyfel said people smoke because cigarettes are readily available./PN
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