City joins seminar on tobacco control policy

ALL village chiefs in Iloilo City will join a seminar on tobacco control policies today, Tuesday.

Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Task (Icast) Director Iñigo Garingalao said the city is aiming for a total smoke-free area with the implementation of Republic Act 9211 or an act regulating the packaging, using, selling, and advertising of tobacco products.

The city is also racing for the Red Orchid Award which is given by the Department of Health (DOH) to facilities and local government units (LGUs) for exemplary anti-smoking initiatives.

The City Council has passed Regulation Ordinance 2013-348, an ordinance providing for a comprehensive anti-smoking ordinance in the city of Iloilo.

Garingalao said other city initiatives include the upcoming measure of the City Council which includes banning the sale of cigars and cigarettes to minors in the city, requiring license to sell cigarette and tobacco products in the city, and strengthening the provisions of Republic Act 9211 or the advertising and displaying of cigarettes and other tobacco products.

Garingalao said DOH Asst. Sec. Paulyn Rossel-Ubial will be the speaker of the seminar. The seminar will also be attended by Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and Congressman Jerry Treñas.

Councilor and Icast chairman Joshua Alim will discuss the upcoming ordinance prohibiting the tobacco advertising promotions (TAPS).