Palawan calls on LGUs to highlight August as ‘Lung Month’

The provincial government of Palawan. (PNA photo)

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Aug 3 — The provincial government of Palawan is enjoining local government units (LGUs) to hold special activities this month in celebration of the “Lung Month,” according to the Provincial Information Office (PIO).

This after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan recently approved 2nd Palawan District Board Member Sharon Abiog-Onda’s resolution that calls for increased information and communication drives about common lung diseases that residents should know.

According to the PIO, which is headed by Atty. Gil Acosta Jr., Onda’s measure is timely because Palawan is celebrating August as National Lung Month under Presidential Proclamation No. 1761 which was implemented in 1978 under the presidency of the late Ferdinand Marcos.

The measure said more information dissemination should be conducted on lung ailments such as pneumonia and tuberculosis, which still cause deaths among poor Palaweños.

The PIO said information drives on these illnesses should include preventive measures, and where residents can seek help if they have them.

“The public should also know where they can get free medicine from the government and private organizations that support anti-TB and anti-pneumonia programs,” the PIO statement said late Wednesday afternoon.

It is also this month, the PIO said, that the provincial government will further implement the anti-smoking law, especially the prohibition of smoking by minors in municipal areas.

The PIO said selling cigarettes or other tobacco products to minors are also prohibited under the anti-smoking law, and anyone caught violating this will be seriously penalized.

Activities regarding Onda’s resolution and the anti-smoking law should be done in municipalities, according to the information office, and should be led by the municipal health offices (MHOs).