NegOr Governor to mayors: Adopt anti-smoking policy 

By Rachelle M. Nessia 

DUMAGUETE CITY, Nov. 14 (PIA) --- Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo is pushing for the widespread advocacy against the ill-effects of smoking in Negros Oriental. 

This after Canlaon City became the latest to join the growing number of local government units (LGUs) in the province who adopted the smoke-free ordinance originally started by Amlan town on July 2009. 

Gov. Roel Degamo lauded the Canlaon City government during its recent launching of the smoke-free ordinance. 

“I’m happy to see that there are now more local governments who are aggressively implementing the anti-smoking campaign,” said Degamo during the launching led by Canlaon City Mayor Jimmy clerigo and attended by hundreds of the city’s residents. 

The governor hopes that more LGUs in the province will follow suit and implement an anti-smoking ordinance, making Negros Oriental a smoke-free province as a result. 

Amlan was the first LGU in the province and in the region to craft and adopt a smoke-free ordinance which is called for by RA 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act. 

Under R.A 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, smoking tobacco is prohibited in public places such as: centers of children and youth activity such as schools, playgrounds, recreational facilities and youth hostels; elevators and stairwells; locations with fire hazards such as gas stations; hospitals and health centers, medical and dental facilities; public conveyances and public facilities such as airports, trains and bus stations except those with separate smoking areas; and, food and beverages preparation areas. (RMN/PIA Negros Oriental)