MMDA eyes HS students in anti-smoking drive

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will focus on high school students as it expands its information drive against smoking to schools in the metropolis, an official said yesterday.

“We are coordinating with schools on this issue since school administrations have the mandate over high school students who are into smoking,” said MMDA health, public safety and environmental protection director Dr. Loida Labao-Alzona.

She said the MMDA will also be aided by the Department of Health (DOH) and other non-government organizations in the conduct of its information drive.

According to the MMDA, minors who smoke in public cannot be simply arrested. Smokers in public, once caught, are made to pay a P500 fine, while those who cannot pay the penalty are made to render eight hours of community service.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the agency has formed a task force to closely monitor establishments and street vendors for possible violation of the Tobacco Regulations Act, especially those who are selling cigarettes to minors, including students.

Aside from government agencies such as the Department of Education (DepEd) and DOH, the MMDA already has an existing alliance with the New York-based Bloomberg Philantrophies to help them in their anti-smoking drive, Tolentino added.