THE City Government is set to strictly implement the smoking ban on all government offices in Cagayan de Oro starting October 1 this year.

According to City Councilor Ma. Lourdes Gaane, chairperson of the committee on health and chair of Smoke Free Tax Force said the smoking ban will take effect at the city hall, provincial capitol, regional offices, and other government offices in the city.

Gaane meanwhile pointed out that it is important for government offices to follow this particular rule to set an example to the public.

The Smoke-Free Task Force has earlier planned to pass an ordinance this month but it has yet to endorse the matter to the City Council.

According to the executive order 26 of President Rodrigo Duterte, smokers will have to go to the designated smoking area or DSA to smoke, and this should not be built within 10 meters from entrances, exits, or any place where people pass or congregate, or in front of air intake ducts.

Minors are prohibited from DSAs, the order said.

The EO bars the establishment of DSAs in schools, hospitals, clinics, food preparation areas, and locations in which fire hazards are present.