The Department of Health-Cordillera has awarded the P500,000 cash to La Trinidad, Benguet for being a hall of famer in the Red Orchid Award.
Mayor Romeo Salda said the treasury office has received the cash award, which the local government won in 2023 for its consistent anti-smoking programs.
The fund will be used to strengthen the implementation of the anti-smoking and vaping ordinance in the municipality.
The fund would also aid concerned personnel in the crafting of project proposals of the Municipal Health Services Office, and actions and recommendations of the council in relation to its anti-smoking programs.
The Red Orchid Award is awarded to DOH-CAR partners who have been instrumental in creating a smoke-free environment, a critical public health measure to protect individuals from the dangers of secondhand smoke, reduce the prevalence of smoking, and contribute to improved overall health and well-being in communities.
Other LGUs awarded in 2023 were Baguio City; Tadian, Mountain Province; and Danglas, Abra.
Municipal Ordinance 8-2014, or the Anti-Smoking Ordinance, regulates smoking, selling, distribution and advertisement of tobacco products and imposing penalty for violations.
The ordinance also prohibits smoking of any tobacco product in any part of any enclosed or partially enclosed public place, workplace, public conveyance whether mobile or stationary, or other outdoor public places.
Individuals caught violating said ordinance will be penalized with P1,500 for first offense, P2,000 for second offense, and P2,500 for third and subsequent offenses or imprisonment not exceeding one year or both at the discretion of the court. – Ofelia C. Empian
