Parañaque LGU adopts 'no-smoking' policy

MANILA, Philippines – Following its healthy lifestyle campaign that aims to promote the health and safety of its workforce for the efficient delivery of services to the people and preserve the comfort and convenience of its residents, Parañaque City Mayor Florencio Bernabe, Jr. signed Executive Order No. 018-19, series of 2009, also known as “An executive order prohibiting government employees from smoking in certain government premises and the designation of a smoking area within the premises of the Parañaque City Hall and other government agencies within the city of Parañaque.”

The local EO was based on the Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular No.17, series of 2009, encouraging employees of government agencies and instrumentalities to give up smoking for health reasons and to protect people from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke; and Republic Act 9211, otherwise known as the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, which endeavors to inform the public on the health risks of cigarette smoking and tobacco use.

 “Smoking causes harmful effects to both smoker and bystander. It does harm to pregnant women and their babies in the womb. It corrupts the values of the youth. It is attributed to some fires. For these reasons, we are joining the efforts in installing new deterrents to the habit as well as health safeguards to protect the public from the hazards of smoking,” says Mayor Bernabe.

 Under the said executive order, smoking will be absolutely prohibited in or on premises, buildings, and grounds of government agencies providing health, education, and/or social welfare and development services which include, among others:  a)centers of youth activity (play schools, elementary schools, high schools, colleges and universities, youth hostels, and recreational facilities); b) public hospitals, health centers, public medical, dental, and optical clinics, dispensaries, laboratories, and nursing homes; c) elevators and stairwells; d) locations where fire hazards are present, which include storage areas of flammable liquids, gas, explosives or combustible materials; e) public  conveyance and public facilities such as airport and ship terminals, bus and train stations, restaurants, and conference halls, except for separate smoking areas.

The designated smoking zone at the Parañaque City Hall is the flag pole area near the parking grounds. Ashtrays and other receptacles used for dispensing cigarettes have been removed from hallway corners and placed at the designated smoking area.  Smoking is also prohibited in all government vehicles.

Any violation of this executive order will be considered a ground for disciplinary action pursuant of Rule XVI (Discipline) of the Omnibus Rules Implementing Book V of Executive Order No. 292.