THE Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) last week appealed to local government units (LGU) to strictly implement Republic Act (RA) No. 9211.
Nurse V Lily Bimuyag said RA 9211, otherwise known as the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, “is an act regulating the packaging, use, sale, distribution and advertisement of Tobacco products, prohibiting smoking in public places.”
Bimuyag added, “Our kids are more susceptible to smoke-related illnesses due to the nonchalance of people they’re supposed to look up to – [their parents, guardians, and elders].”
Bimuyag also revealed distribution of tobacco products to minors has become unabated despite proscription of its sale within a 100-meter radius from educational institutions.
She also warned the public to quit smoking.
“Don’t try to smoke if you’ve not yet tried and for those who are already smoking quit now”, she emphasized.
Meanwhile, Dr. Donna Tubera, head of the city epidemiology surveillance unit revealed plan to orient and re-orient members of the Baguio City Police Office on the proper implementation of the said RA. (Nievena Gandalera)