BAGUIO CITY – The  City Health Services Office, in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH-CAR) launched  the advocacy on the Environmentally Sustainable Healthy Urban Transport (ESHUT) and the 100% Smoke-free Baguio City  during the flag raising ceremony at the City Hall Grounds last  Monday.

In a press conference after the launching, City Health officer Dr. Florence Reyes stressed that the advocacy is in line with Republic Act 9211 or the Clean Air Act and the Comprehensive Anti-smoking ordinance of Baguio. ‘If Davao and Roxas can make their city smoking-free, then we can also do it here in Baguio,’  Reyes  said.

 Reyes  lauded Mayor Mauricio Domogan for his full support for the campaign in making the city of Baguio 100 percent tobacco free.

City HSO chief epidemiologist Dr. Donna Tubera affirmed that six of the top 10 leading causes  of death in the city are smoking related   including  lung cancer, colon cancer, cardiovascular diseases, heart diseases, pneumonia and bronchitis.

Study shows also shows that there is no safe level of second hand smoke. Though we have enough laws to protect us from such hazard, a concerted effort from all sector of society is still needed for the advocacy, Tubera stressed. 

In line with the advocacy, the  HSO will be tapping the assistance of the government agencies, the transport sector, the academe  and the communities through the 128 barangays in achieving a 100% smoke free Baguio City.

The campaign will also involve the posting of no-smoking signs and the use of the graphical warning signs on all public utility vehicles and terminals, government agencies, including the city government offices. According to  Tubera, studies have proven that the posting of no-smoking signs shows a 50 percent (smokers-quitting) effectivity rate.

Also present during the press conference to show their support to the advocacy were DOH-CAR ESHUT and anti-smoking coordinator Dr. Alexei Marrero and Ms. Lily Bimuyag, Mr, Elmer Mendoza Jr. of the Department of Transportation and Communication, City Public Transport Affairs Office head Mr. Jun Itliong and representatives from the City Environment and Parks Management Office and the Baguio City Police Office. **Lito Dar/PIA