- City, DepEd work to enforce anti-smoking law in schools
THE CITY’S Vices Regulation Unit has ongoing talks with the Department of Education to strengthen the implementation of the Amended Anti-Smoking Ordinance, particularly in schools.
The New Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance of Davao City, as amended by Ordinance No. 037-19, includes provisions protecting vulnerable minors
VRU head Jacy Jace Francia reminded vendors and retailers that selling vapes or any tobacco products to minors is strictly prohibited.
“Our Anti-Vices Task Force already includes the Deped XI because we noted the rising cases of smoking of vape,” Francia said in an interview with Madayaw Davao.
According to the Commission on Higher Education, citing the 2019 Global Youth Survey report, 1 in 7 of the respondents (a total of 6,670 grade 7-10 students) admitted to using e-cigarettes, while 1 in 8 were using tobacco products. The prevalence rate prompted CHED to release a policy advisory on school-based smoking prevention programs in June of last year.
In Davao City, from January to June, the VRU apprehended 200 individuals, mostly youth and students.
“Our collaboration with the academe includes holding symposiums about the health impacts of smoking, along with the City Health Office,” he added.
Apart from public places, government-owned establishments, accommodations, and entertainment establishments, the city’s revised comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance strictly prohibits smoking in and within 100 meters of schools, playgrounds, or areas frequented by minors, except in designated smoking areas.
Minors are not allowed in designated smoking areas.
Violators found smoking in unauthorized areas will be fined P3,000 and must undergo smoking cessation counseling. Vendors selling or distributing tobacco products to minors will face a fine of P5,000, while business establishments will have their licenses revoked or cancelled.
Photo by Mathew MacQuarrie on Unsplash
