Dumaguete City Hall now smoke-free zone

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — City Hall employees are expected to lead in the implementation of the “Smoke Free Ordinance” as Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria released a mandate strictly prohibiting cigarette smoking among all city government employees in non-smoking areas of the City Hall. Sagarbarria released Monday morning Memorandum Circular No. 04, Series of 2012 mandating that the city government would have massive campaign for full implementation of the Smoke Free Ordinance in all public areas in the city, starting at the City Hall.

The mayor also received reports from transacting public and taxpayers revealing that city government employees have been seen smoking cigarettes right at the City Hall “backyard.” The memorandum stated that non-smoking areas covered are: “City Hall premises and other city government premises/properties including, but not limited to offices, hallways, comfort rooms, grounds, parking spaces, compounds, parks/playgrounds, city government vehicles, and other places enumerated in the Smoke Free Ordinance.”

Department heads, chiefs of office and building administrators of city government areas/properties have been directed to ensure compliance of the memorandum. Employees were also enjoined to refrain from doing the prohibited acts as specified in the ordinance, and help in calling the attention of violators, employees and non-employees alike. Relatedly, the City Health Office is displaying posters and “No Smoking” signage conveying the bad effects of smoking in offices and premises inside the City Hall. - THE FREEMAN