The local government of Kidapawan City on Thursday launched “Task Force Usok” to intensify its anti – smoking campaign in all private establishments and public places here.
Mayor Joseph Evangelista personally visited and posted anti-smoking signage in schools, hotels, department stores, and the city’s public market to boost efforts on the initiative.
The drive was fully backed by the Department of Health (DOH) campaign on eradicating respiratory illnesses of city residents brought about by cigarette smoking.
Evangelista said the task force would oversee the full implementation of the city’s Anti – Smoking Ordinance and review of its implementing rules and regulations.
The task force, for its part, has recommended before the city council’s Committee on Health to implement stiffer penalties to individual and establishment owners violating the ordinance.
Evangelista has also deputized city police personnel, village officials and watchmen and traffic officers to strengthen the campaign.
Only last year, the city was a recipient of the DOH Red Orchard Award for making the locality a smoke – free zone. (PNA)
