THE SMOKE-Free Task Force will conduct a smoke-free Baguio parade on February 28 to highlight the city government’s unrelenting anti-smoking campaign that has netted more than 5,000 violators last year.

The parade will start 10 a.m. from the Baguio Convention Center, traverse Session and Harrison roads, and end at the Athletic Bowl oval where a program will ensue with city government and local health officials including representatives from other concerned agencies expected to attend.

Mayor Mauricio Domogan, task force chairman, earlier issued a memorandum directing task force officers and members including three to five representatives from all city government departments to participate during the parade and program.

The event will highlight various activities scheduled this year that will further remind the public to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Smoke-Free Baguio Ordinance approved in 2017 by the city council and principally authored by councilor Joel Alangsab.

Ordinance number 34, series of 2017, prohibits the use, sale, distribution, and advertisement of cigarettes/e-cigarettes and other tobacco products in certain places, imposing penalties and providing funds thereof.

Earlier, the smoke-free task force reported a total of 5,259 violators of the ordinance were apprehended last year with fines totaling P2.543 million. Less than half of those apprehended paid the fines while the rest were made to do community service. (PR)