MMDA JOINS QC NO SMOKING DRIVE IN MALLS

Quezon City’s determined effort for a smoke-free environment received a much-needed boost when the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) joined QC Hall in an information drive on RA 9211, otherwise known as the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, during a one-day advocacy activity at SM North Edsa.

MMDA personnel joined hands with members of QC’s smoke-free task force, which has been created by Mayor Herbert Bautista to enforce the city’s no-smoking policy, in distributing flyers and stickers to inform mallgoers about the prohibition on smoking in public places.

Task force members mobilized during the advocacy activity are the QC health department, department of public order and safety, environmental protection and waste management department and market development administration department.

“Yosi-Kadiri,” the official mascot of the Department of Health (DOH) for its anti-smoking campaign, has also been invited to participate in the advocacy activity that was conducted at the SM North’s jeepney terminal and Sky Garden.

Under RA 9211, smoking in smoke-free areas carries a fine of P500 for first offense; P1,000 for second offense and P5,000 for third offense.

Quezon City also has other applicable ordinances for the prohibition of smoking in public places. Chief among which is City Ordinance SP – 1515, S-2005, which regulates smoking in public places, including public conveyances.

Aside from the penalties, the ordinance is almost similar to the provisions of RA 9211.

Meanwhile, MMDA also enlisted QC’s support in the apprehension of sidewalk vendors within the premises of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) central station along North Edsa.

Assistant city market administrator Noel Soliven said the operation netted the apprehension of eight sidewalk vendors for violating City Ordinance 1074. Precy/ Ramir/ Maureen Quiñones, PAISO