Laguna gov wants a ‘100% smoke-free environment’

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SANTA CRUZ, Laguna — Governor Ramil Hernandez has ordered the strict elimination of smoking and tobacco smoke in all provincial offices and hospitals under the auspices of the Provincial Government of Laguna (PGL) to create a “100-percent smoke-free environment” in these places.

Hernandez said this is an “effective measure to provide protection from exposure to tobacco smoke, as envisioned by Article 8 of the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention.

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Speaking before the employees and guests at Monday’s flag ceremony, Gov. Hernandez reminded everyone that a person who does not smoke saves money, has better physical appearance as he looks and feels younger, has better work concentration and is able to show respect and courtesy to others by not smoking in their company.

Following the directives of Executive Order Number 42 series of 2014, the governor said that there will be no designated smoking areas; and selling of cigarettes is prohibited within the premises of the Provincial Capitol Compound and all its supervised hospitals, schools, and satellite offices.

He stressed that “any employee caught violating this executive order will be penalized with suspension for 1 month and 1 day to 6 months on the first offense, and dismissal from service on the second offense.”

Gov. Hernandez appealed to everyone to quit smoking and promote healthy and safe lifestyle, and to uphold the well-being and the right of the people for a clean environment.

He ordered the posting of tarpaulin banners in designated places showing the harmful effects of cigarettes on the smokers as a way of encouraging them to quit and for the non-smokers to not to try at all.