Smoke-free civil service, government offices pushed

THE Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Department of Health (DOH) campaign for a smoke-free civil service or smoke-free government offices.

This is in relation to the health agency’s campaign to reduce the number of smokers in the country, as well as smoking habits that could also affect non-smokers.

CSC Assistant Commissioner Attorney David Cabanag Jr., who used to be the regional director of CSC-Eastern Visayas, emphasized the importance of declaring a smoking-area in an office.

“But this area should have no wall nor ceiling, even temporary ceiling or wall is not allowed as specified by law,” said Cabanag.

He added that in every office, there should only be one smoking zone, with signage stating that said area is a “smoking area” and it should not be less than 10 meters from the entrance or exit of the office, while a “no smoking” sign should be put in conspicuous location of all government premises and grounds.

Cabanag said the campaign started since 2009 through the Memorandum Circular 17 of the CSC addressed to all heads of departments in all National Government agencies and local government units (LGUs), government-owned and controlled corporations and state colleges and universities.

The memorandum aims to ensure a healthy and productive workplace in all government offices and premises as mandated by the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 or Republic Act 9211, he said.

A joint circular of the DOH and CSC was also formulated in 2010, addressed again to all heads of offices of government agencies and LGUs, seeking to protect the bureaucracy from the ill-effects of tobacco.

Meanwhile, for those who are into smoking and wanted to quite the habit, Dr. Edgardo Pedrosa of DOH regional office said they can avail the services that are being provided by two smoking cessation clinics in the region.

One of which is located at the regional office of DOH and the other is at the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVRMC).

He said that for those who wanted to quit smoking, there are three modes of treatment that they can do: the cod turkey treatment, which secludes a smoker in one room; tapering down; and by seeking professional help. (Leyte Samar Daily Express)