THE Davao City Vices Regulation Unit (VRU) noted fewer violators of the anti-smoking, sobriety, and liquor ban ordinances during the first half of the Kadayawan festival this year.
Although VRU-Anti Smoking Task Force chief Dr. Ashley Lopez said the unit has yet to finalize its data for its monthly dissemination, but based on the operations conducted on August 15 and 16, days before the Indak-Indak Sa Kadayawan street dance competition, he said they were able to apprehend only 21 persons (five violators of the anti-smoking, while 16 violators of the liquor ban).
He said most of the violators were residents of Davao City and no foreign tourists were apprehended during those days.
"Surprisingly today, despite the influx of tourists in the city, we have observed lesser number of violators. (Although) we cannot still disclose the report because we are doing the report monthly," Lopez said on Monday, August 19, right after the flag raising ceremony at the City Hall of Davao.
He said, however, that the apprehension is lower than their usual operation, wherein an average of 40 to 50 violators is recorded on a daily basis.
Davao City Acting Mayor and Vice Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte, in his speech during the grand opening of the Kadayawan festival last August 2, reminded the public to abide with the existing ordinances of the city, particularly on the anti-smoking, sobriety, and liquor ban ordinances.
Lopez, meanwhile, said the fewer number of apprehensions were due to the intensified information dissemination campaign conducted by the city through in person and other various mediums such as social media.
He also said the VRU had personally talked to restaurant and bar owners, reminding them of the existing policies.
"Ako sila gi-remind na dili pasabot na kesyo Kadayawan festival (I, personally, reminded them that just because it is the Kadayawan festival), they are excused from everything, including our existing laws," Lopez said.
The unit head said they are closely monitoring the downtown areas with regard to the implementation of these ordinances, especially where the special events are being conducted, like the San Pedro Square and the Sta. Ana Wharf.