LEGAZPI CITY --- To support its serious campaign against cigarette smoking in public places, the City Government of Legazpi launched its own website www.smokefreelegazpi.com.

        Invoking his power to promote the general welfare, City Mayor Noel E. Rosal issued Executive Order No. 14 series of 2009 requiring all government and non-government offices, public and private establishments, particularly internet cafes, to display www.smokefreelegazpi.com signs.

        The website was developed by the group of Roland Bongais, Jonathan Saduerte, John Joseph Mendizabal and Ma. Victoria Ogo of AMA Computer College-Legazpi City.

        In his message, Rosal said the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Legazpi had passed City Ordinance No. 0006-2005, otherwise known as “The Legazpi City Smoke-Free Ordinance” on April 19, 2005 and approved by him on May 12, 2005.

        “It is the policy of the City Government of Legazpi to protect the populace from hazardous tobacco products and promote the right to health and instill health consciousness among them,” the mayor said.

        Under the ordinance, cigarette smoking in public places and public conveyances such as buses and jeepneys, is punishable with a fine ranging from P1,000 for the first offense to P5,000 or imprisonment for 10 days, or both, at the discretion of the court.

        A former smoker 11 years ago, Rosal said it takes a strong will power to quit smoking.

        Dr. Maricar Limpin, executive director, Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance Philippines (FCCP), discussed “Smoke Free Initiatives vs the Tobacco Industry.”

        Limpin reminded smokers that cigarette smoking is dangerous to one’s health because it can cause lung cancer.

        She also urged the public to support HB 3364 and SB 2377 requiring cigarette manufacturers to include picture-based health warnings on every pack of cigarette.

        She floated the idea to abolish the tobacco industry by asking tobacco workers to shift to other jobs.

        During the Winners’ Congress (a Fellowship of Ex-Smokers), representatives of government, media, senior citizens, clergy, youth and women recalled how they were able to lick nicotine.

        A joint project of the Legazpi City Government and the Department of Health (DoH) Region 5, the Smoke-Free Committee is headed by radio broadcaster Rose Olarte Orbita.