Davao City to offer counseling for smokers

DAVAO City’s Anti-smoking Task Force will integrate nicotine-replacement therapy along with smoking cessation counseling to apprehended smokers in the city starting next year.

During the iSpeak media forum last October 11, Dr. Ashley Lopez, chief of the Anti-smoking Task Force, said that they developed a new program to help nicotine-dependents overcome smoking addiction by integrating the nicotine-replacement therapy.

“There will be at least 30 percent quit rates in smoking (so a lot of smokers may stop through) nicotine-replacement therapy to be implemented on the first quarter of next (year),” Lopez said.

He also said that they have been intensifying the implementation of the law and educating the public as well, adding that the nicotine-dependents are victims who need help.

Dr. Lopez said they have been posting materials educating the public about the ill-effects of smoking, adding that these are just one of their initiatives to stop smoking-dependence.

“Since 2012, in the creation of the anti-smoking ordinance, it was already included in the provision nga mu-provide ta og ginatawag na (we will provide) smoking cessation counseling to those apprehended,” he said.

Only those who availed the “no contest provision” compliance within three days could avail the smoking cessation counseling on any health center within the city.

“The city health (centers]) have already been equipped to provide smoking cessation counseling to everyone,” Lopez said.