The local government unit (LGU) of Tagbilaran is aiming to be among the first smoke-free cities in Central Visayas amid the implementation of an antismoking campaign by national health authorities.

According to Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell Yap II, local authorities are set to strictly implement the smoking ordinance in June when classes resume nationwide.

“Full blast na sa June. Nag-assign na ta sa mga taw kung kinsa ang mo-badlong, mo-dakop. Nagsuogod na pud ta og himo sa atong tickets sa pagbayad nila,” said Yap.

The city government met with personnel who will comprise the antismoking task force including members of the Active Local Emergency Response Team (ALERT), Tagbilaran police, City Health Office and school representatives to discuss protocols of the antismoking drive.

Authorities also agreed to deputize school security personnel to allow them to admonish violators and issue citation tickets.

Yap also reminded the public that the sale of cigarettes is prohibited within 100 meters of a school.

“Apil sa ordinance kung aha ra dapat mo baligya. Apil pud sa task force ang mga heads sa paglukat og business permit aron i-revoke nato ang mga permits kung magpadayon sila og baligya,” he said.

There will also be designated smoking areas provided in the city in accordance with the ordinance and Executive Order No. 26, or the nationwide smoking ban in public areas.

According to Yap, the LGU is aiming to make Tagbilaran a model city in the implementation of the nationwide smoking ban.

Earlier, The Tagbilaran police started to enforce the city ordinance but Yap said that authorities want to further boost the campaign particularly its sustainability.

“Gusto nato ma sustain. Nasugdan naman ni sa atong mga kapolisan pero gusto gihapon nato na lig-unon,” Yap added. (A. Doydora)