While awaiting the Duterte Administration’s approval of a nationwide smoking ban, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) in Tagbilaran City went ahead in making the city port smoking-free.

According to Tagbilaran City PPA port manager James Gantalao, the anti-smoking measure has already been implemented while a designated area for smoking inside the pier was opened.

PPA officials have filled the port area with signs indicating where smoking is allowed and banned in the vicinity, Gantalao said.

He pointed out that the smoking area is located at the right side of the port’s passenger terminal building.

The no-smoking policy was implemented as support to health initiatives of the government and the city port’s efforts to gain accreditation from the International Organizations for Standardizations, Gantalao said.

The policy has also already being imposed on employees of the tourist port including porters, the port official added.

Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to soon sign an Executive Order declaring a nationwide smoking ban in public areas despite the existence of a law (Republic Act 9211) similar to the EO. (Rey Tutas)

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