Smoke-free in UP Diliman

Even before President Arroyo signed the Tobacco Regulation Act, officials at the University of the Philippines in Diliman have snuffed out smoking in the campus.

The smoking ban in UP was enforced as early as last March after the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs issued Memorandum Order No. 063.

The memo is in line with laws promulgated by the Quezon City government and the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and in accordance with a Commission on Higher Education memo providing for the adoption of smoking prohibition and control in all state universities and colleges.

Under CSC rules, any violation of the no-smoking policy "shall be considered as ground for disciplinary action."

University officials are even soliciting the help of the UP police to stop students, faculty, visitors and even drivers of jeepneys plying the campus route from lighting up.

Smoking is prohibited inside UP offices, buildings, the infirmary including but not limited to corridors, stairways, canteens, inside classrooms in all levels, libraries, research rooms or areas, inside all enclosed places for gatherings, inside storerooms, garages, government and public utility vehicles.

However, each unit may designate smoking areas with sufficient ventilation and available exhaust fans.

Deans, directors, dorm administrators and unit heads were directed to put "no smoking" signs in conspicuous places and to enforce the rules in their respective jurisdictions.

On Monday, President Arroyo signed RA 9211, or the Tobacco Regulation Act, calling for the control of tobacco products-use including phaseout of all tobacco advertisements in five years and a total ban on smoking in enclosed public places, including schools. The measure took a decade to be approved. – Pamela Samia