THE Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Task Force (ICASTF) sought amendments in the existing anti-smoking ordinance.
The group wants to phase out identified smoking areas in work places and make the entire work place as a full no-smoking area, instead.
ICASTF Director IƱigo Garingalao said the move will help attain a smoke-free city with no exposure to second-hand cigarette and tobacco smoke.
Garingalao added there must be more awareness programs in barangays on the ill-effects of smoking. He also proposed the setting up of tobacco control department that will handle apprehensions.
The first Philippine Global Adult Tobacco Survey (Gats) showed that almost 48.8 percent of the Filipino population is exposed to cigarette smoking in their homes and 54 percent reported that someone smokes at least monthly in their homes.
The average age of initiation for daily smokers is 17.4 years old with minors as vulnerable target.
A proposal was already submitted to Congress for the amendment of Republic Act 9211, or the Tobacco Regulatory Act of 2003 that aims to strengthen a healthful environment. (LCP)