• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
A resolution enjoining the participation of all city government departments, educational institutions, 61 barangays, and all residents of Bacolod City to the celebration of the “National No Smoking Month” this June 2024 in accordance with P.D. No. 183, series of 1993, was approved by the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod Wednesday.
The resolution authored by Councilor Simplicia Distrito said that in 1993, former President Fidel V. Ramos issued Proclamation No. 183 which declared the month of June of every year as the “National No Smoking Month.”
The purpose of the celebration is to strengthen awareness campaigns on the ill-effects of tobacco and electronic cigarette smoking and to encourage smokers to give up the life-threatening habit, it said.
The observance is also in line with the celebration of the World No Tobacco Day, initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) on May 31 of every year, the resolution said.
On June 31, 2024, the City of Bacolod in Partnership with the Philippine College of Chest Physicians (PCCP), through its local chapters, will spearhead the celebration of the “No Smoking Month” with the theme, “Protecting the children from Tobacco Industry Interference,” it said.
Activities to be done by the PCCP in coordination with the City of Bacolod are already being planned and prepared such as installing Infotarps containing scientific data about smoking/vaping around the city especially near the hospitals to show support to the nationwide advocacy; information and education campaign against tobacco and vape smoking in all schools of the city, motorcade and statement signing of the unified stand on reducing or eliminating the hazards of smoking, the resolution added.*
