In support of the National Government’s campaign against excessive use of tobacco and tobacco related products, Valenzuela City Mayor Sherwin T. Gatchalian actively set up initiatives on tobacco regulation in the city.

In an intensive campaign by the Valenzuela City Legal Office, City Public Information Office (PIO) and Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), which started as early as April this year, more than 3,000 establishments have been installed with posters reminding store owners that the sale of tobacco products to minors is prohibited and therefore punishable by law. The BPLO is tasked to serve warnings and notices of violation to erring establishments.

The posters, placed on conspicuous spaces in the establishments, prevent minors from having access to tobacco products.

Mayor Gatchalian emphasized that the City Government “does not tolerate law offenders” and will “arrest violators or impose fines if necessary.” This is in keeping with his commitment of upholding Republic Act 9211 or the “Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003” intended to regulate the packaging, use, sale, distribution and advertisement of tobacco products.

According to Mayor WIN, the information campaign and monitoring activities are in full blast to make the public more aware of substantial laws that are being implemented nationwide. “We are doing our best of implementing the law in our city. Though steps are underway of coming up with a local ordinance, I believe that the provisions in R.A. 9211 are enough to lessen the demand on tobacco products in our locality.” The Mayor said.

“Moreover, we have taken huge steps in preventing minors – especially school children – from having access to these vices by posting as many posters in establishments as possible.” He added.

R.A. 9211 was enacted into law by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in June 23, 2003. One of its primary aims is “to protect the youth from being initiated into cigarette smoking and tobacco use by prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to minors.”

Recently, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) launched an NCR-wide campaign to curb smoking offenders who blatantly violate the law. Valenzuela City, in relation to the MMDA campaign, has continuously monitored its poster program throughout the city noting the fact that more smokers are predominantly in their youth.

“Smokers start at a young age. To prevent this surge of smokers in the future, we must restrain it at an early phase. Our information drive and monitoring is a long standing effort to implement the law. Hindi ito panandalian lang. (This will not come out short-handed)” Mayor Win concluded.

- Michael King C. Urieta