MMDA hails Metro Manila LGUs in ‘World No Tobacco Day’ celebration
THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) hailed the local government units (LGUs) in the National Capital Region (NCR) for organizing activities in line with the celebration of “World No Tobacco Day” today, May 31.
A motorcade, organized by the Marikina City Health Office and Office of Public Safety and Security, was joined by bikers, volunteers, personnel, and supporters yesterday morning.
This was followed by installing signages at tricycle terminals intended to admonish drivers and operators on the “No Smoking/Vaping” prohibition in the city.
MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando Artes said the agency is a “staunch” supporter of the anti-tobacco campaign.
“The MMDA assists in promoting a 100% smoke-free policy in the NCR. Furthermore, I would like to thank all Metro Manila mayors for being proactive in implementing their respective smoke-free ordinances despite the challenges and disruptions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Artes said.
For her part, Dr. Loida Alzona, Director of the MMDA Health and Environmental Protection Office, lauded the LGUs in the metropolis for actively promoting “smoke-free” policies in their areas of jurisdiction.
“I commend the LGUs for their continued efforts to promote anti-smoking campaigns in their bid to protect the public from the perils of smoking. Also, we will intensify our information dissemination through the MMDA’s #RespectTheSign Facebook page,” Alzona said.
The theme of World No Tobacco Day this year is “Tobacco: Threat to our Environment”.
Among the activities lined up in Metro Manila are as follows: public awareness campaign on the harmful effects of tobacco consumption and second-hand smoke exposure; conduct of healthy lifestyle activities like Zumba sessions in several barangays; capacity-building for TODA (tricycle operators and drivers association) members and barangay workers; and smoking cessation counseling services to smokers who are ready to quit smoking permanently.
“World No Tobacco Day”, a global campaign initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO), is celebrated annually every 31st of May.
