VOLUME 62 NUMBER 5
OCTOBER 17, 2017
WALL NEWS EDITION
Bacolod reinforces Anti-Smoking Ordinance BY JYAN MARTELLA G. OPENA & VICTORIA MARIAN B. BELMIS In support of President Duterte’s Executive Order (E.O) No. 26 which bans smoking in public and enclosed places, Bacolod City reinforced City Ordinance (C.O.) #641 Series of 2013 last July 22. “Before the nationwide ban, Bacolod City already has the comprehensive smoking ordinance. The City Ordinance has similar components to the E.O,” said Councilor Caesar Z. Distrito, author of C.O. #641. C.O. #641 or the Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance aims to regulate smoking including conveyances, advertisements, promotion and sponsorships of tobacco products. Councilor Distrito stressed that the ordinance does not prohibit smoking in open public areas except: gasoline stations, hospitals and other medical facilities, schools, parks and playgrounds, airport and ship terminals as well as jeepney and bus stations; however, smoking is only allowed in designated smoking areas. Furthermore, the smoking ban prohibits the selling of tobacco products within 100m from the perimeter of schools, playgrounds and other facilities frequented by minors. Councilor Distrito also emphasized that it is unlawful for any minor to sell or purchase cigarettes as well as to smoke even in designated smoking areas. Moreover, the ordinance aims to minimize cases of smoking-related diseases in the city and also, to inform and increase the awareness of the residents about the harmful effects of smoking. Also, the City Government of Bacolod reactivated the Bacolod Anti-Smoking Task Force, composed of the City Mayor and Vice
fense while business establishments who allowed their customers to smoke in non-designated smoking areas will be fined P3000-P5000 or revocation of business permit. Offenders who have paid will no longer be criminally charged.
Photo by Martini D. Falco
Mayor, Committee on Health and Sanitation, representatives from Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), City Health Office (CHO) , Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO), City Administrator’s Office, City Legal Office (CLO), City Treasurer’s Office and Permits and Licensing Division of the city, which makes the policies and implements the smoking ban in the city. “We also have the action team composed of the BCPO, BTAO and CLO. Their job is to apprehend violators,” Anti-Smoking Task Force Vice Chairman Caesar Distrito added. Distrito said that violators will be fined P500 for the first of-
In addition, as stated in the ordinance, violators caught in their third offense shall undergo Smoking Rehabilitation Program that is to be conducted by the CHO of Bacolod. Distrito also pointed out that the Department of Education is also authorized to arrest anti-smoking violators within their respective school campuses. Violators will be issued citation tickets and are given five days to settle their accounts in order to prevent legal charges from being filed to them. Old City Hall, New Government Center, CHO, BCPO and BTAO would be open for payment transactions. As of October 2017, a total of 500 violators and 50 establishments were apprehended due to smoking violations. Majority of the violators were found in the Bacolod City plaza and Downtown area. “People are very receptive because most of them are non-smokers. I think there is no perfect implementation of a policy but there is a great effort. People are becoming aware,” expressed Councilor Distrito, highlighting that the ordinance is a great start for eventually coming up with an Anti-Cigarette Ban in the country. He also said that the City Government will continue to spread the awareness by education campaign and conducting lectures and symposiums especially to the youth.
Brighter Side of the Ban BY RIESA T. RODILLADO
THESPECTRUM FOU N D ED 1 9 56
facebook.com/thespectrumusls · thespectrum.usls@gmail.com VOLUME 62 NUMBER 5 · OCTOBER 17, 2017 Member Alliance of Lasallian Campus Journalists and Advisers and College Editors Guild of the Philippines Andrea Nicole C. Farol EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Katherine E. Co ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Robert H. Jerge III MANAGING EDITOR
Iris Denise N. Rivera EXTERNAL AFFAIRS DIRECTOR
NEWSPAPER EDITOR Christiana Claudia G. Gancayco ASST. NEWSPAPER EDITOR Starlene Joy B. Portillo MAGAZINE EDITOR Chad Martin Z. Natividad ASST. MAGAZINE EDITOR Joshua Martin P. Guanco ONLINE EDITOR David Willem L. Molenaar LITERARY EDITOR Hezron G. Pios ASST. LITERARY EDITOR Lyle John L. Balana HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE EDITOR Maria Angelica M. Ape ASST. HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE EDITOR Ian Kristoffer V. Ga PHOTOS AND VIDEOS EDITOR Nichol Francis. T. Anduyan LAYOUT AND GRAPHICS E DITOR Jowan Dave G. Guides ASST. LAYOUT AND GRAPHICS E DITOR Glen Jed J. Descutido Contributing Staff WRITERS Alvin Brian S. Legario Adrienne Carl S. Calvo Jyan Martella G. Opena Victoria Marian B. Belmis Riesa T. Rodillado
PHOTOS AND GRAPHICS Martini M. Falco Karen D. Panganiban Shara Mae L. Pelayo
Jean Lee C. Patindol PUBLICATION MODERATOR
“I stopped selling cigarettes the moment we were informed that there is a smoking ban. I even have a city ordinance taped on my wall.” said store owner Melma Salazar. “There really isn’t a huge loss in selling cigarette sticks individually,” she added. Zaira Store owner Leo Engada, however, is a contrary. “Nothing changed. I’m still selling cigarettes just like all those other stores on the row.” Two months ago, a nationwide smoking ban was implemented and Barangay Singcang is not an exception to the rule. In an effort to make their community a smoke-free environment, the barangay pulled off several acts to ameliorate the said concern. They put up posters in places frequented by smokers and took off cigarette advertisements on stores. Salazar, upon hearing the announcement, did not think twice and immediately returned the remaining packs of tobacco products to her supplier. With the city ordinance plastered on her store’s wall, she knew she had to, unless, paying a 500k fine or a month of imprisonment was her option. Men, women, adults, and even minors
Photo by Martini D. Falco
stench her store with nicotine air. Throw into this mix the specter of tuberculosis and pneumonia, it’s no surprise that Salazar is
tense about its inverse effects. Despite being a supplier to these people, she somehow appreciates the better movement.
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 62 NUMBER 5 · OCTOBER 17, 2017
Leo, on the other hand, still keeps his business going. “Smokers are banned from smoking, but we’re still allowed to sell.” stating how they didn’t had the information to be banned from selling. “Smokers won’t disappear in just a mere second.” So, how is this not penalized? Turns out, the smoking ban is only applicable to certain conditions. Smoking is prohibited on public and enclosed areas such as: gasoline, jeepney, and bus stations; medical facilities; airport and ship terminals; and places where children are roaming around but private establishments, however, are allowed to provide their own designated smoking area. And if the store stands within a hundred meters from perimeters of facilities frequented by minors such as schools and playgrounds, selling is prohibited and Zairah Store, and others in line, are nowhere near the proximity. Although he earns from it, he still follows the rule of not selling to minors. There is no denying the good result to this ordinance. Seeing catastrophe staring into mankind’s face, even small acts can make an impact. If people are really eager to change for the better, they are most capable to face prospects no matter how bleak they appear to be.
VOLUME 62 NUMBER 6
OCTOBER 17, 2017
WALL NEWS EDITION
Smoke-Free: Singcang-Airport Issues Cigar Ban BY ADRIENNE CARL S. CALVO Singcang-Airport’s Brgy. Captain Rosinie Distrito banned smoking in all public areas of the barangay in virtue of an Executive Order signed by President Rodrigo Duterte last May and implemented in late July. The Philippine E.O. 26 is entitled, “Providing for the Establishment of Smoke-free Environments in Public and Enclosed Places.” For the implementation of the E.O., the barangay took action by putting up posters in locations frequented by smokers and taking off signage of cigarette advertisements in commercial stores. “Una, gin una ko gid diri sa Barangay Hall. Nagbutang gid ako sa palibot na indi pwede makapanigarilyo – nagbutang sang karatula sa mga tabok sang eskwelahan kag mga tiangge. Nangayo man kami bulig sa city [government] para sa mga establishment sa palibot kag subong ga amat-amat man kami sulod-sulod sa mga kapurukan namon,” explained Distrito. The barangay has yet to issue an ordinance that covers the penalties given to non-compliant citizens. In lieu of this, they directly report the incidents to the city government which are then given action. Violations under the smoking ban are punishable in accordance with the applicable penalties provided in Section 32 of the Republic Act No. 9211, also known as the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003. Smoking is banned in public places such as: schools, youth hostels and recreational facilities for persons under eighteen (18)
*Distrito
Photo by Martini D. Falco
years old, elevators and stairwells, fire hazard locations, within premises of private and public hospitals, public conveyances, restaurants, and food preparation areas. When caught, the offender is fined with Php. 500–1,000 on the first offense; Php. 1,000 – 5,000 on the second offense, and on the third and last offense, a fine of Php. 5,000 – 10,000 and revocation of business permits and licenses to operate (for the establishment where the offense was made). In addition, it is unlawful for any retailer of tobacco products
to sell or distribute products to a minor (below 18 years of age). It is also prohibited for a minor to smoke cigarettes or any tobacco products, sell or purchase them. “It shall not be a defense for the person selling or distributing that he/she did not know or was not aware of the real age of the minor. Neither shall it be a defense that he/she did not know nor had any reason to believe that the cigarette or any other tobacco product was for the consumption of the minor to whom it was sold,” from Section 9: Minimum Age Sales of the abovementioned Act. Any person or establishment selling, distributing or purchasing tobacco products for a minor shall be fined Php. 5,000 or an imprisonment of not more than thirty (30) days, upon discretion of the court. For succeeding offenses, penalties are as follows: a fine of Php. 5,000, imprisonment of not more than thirty (30) days, and revocation of business licenses and permits in the case of an establishment or business entity. Upon hearing the announcement for the nationwide smoking ban, people of the barangay expressed their gratitude for there have been several cases of tuberculosis and pneumonia reported through the years. With the ban in full implementation, health complications caused by first and second-hand smoking would be lessened. Distrito said that for those who would like to quit smoking, their local health center can accommodate regular check-ups as well as vitamin provisions.
Never too Late to Stop BY ALVIN BRIAN S. LEGARIO
THESPECTRUM FOU N D ED 1 9 56
facebook.com/thespectrumusls · thespectrum.usls@gmail.com VOLUME 62 NUMBER 6 · OCTOBER 17, 2017 Member Alliance of Lasallian Campus Journalists and Advisers and College Editors Guild of the Philippines Andrea Nicole C. Farol EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Katherine E. Co ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Robert H. Jerge III MANAGING EDITOR
Iris Denise N. Rivera EXTERNAL AFFAIRS DIRECTOR
NEWSPAPER EDITOR Christiana Claudia G. Gancayco ASST. NEWSPAPER EDITOR Starlene Joy B. Portillo MAGAZINE EDITOR Chad Martin Z. Natividad ASST. MAGAZINE EDITOR Joshua Martin P. Guanco ONLINE EDITOR David Willem L. Molenaar LITERARY EDITOR Hezron G. Pios ASST. LITERARY EDITOR Lyle John L. Balana HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE EDITOR Maria Angelica M. Ape ASST. HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE EDITOR Ian Kristoffer V. Ga PHOTOS AND VIDEOS EDITOR Nichol Francis. T. Anduyan LAYOUT AND GRAPHICS E DITOR Jowan Dave G. Guides ASST. LAYOUT AND GRAPHICS E DITOR Glen Jed J. Descutido Contributing Staff WRITERS Alvin Brian S. Legario Adrienne Carl S. Calvo Jyan Martella G. Opena Victoria Marian B. Belmis Riesa T. Rodillado
PHOTOS AND GRAPHICS Martini M. Falco Karen D. Panganiban Shara Mae L. Pelayo
Jean Lee C. Patindol PUBLICATION MODERATOR
Tobacco was introduced in the Philippines during the Spanish colonization. Since then, Filipinos of all kind, rich and poor, and sad to say, young and old have been addicted to smoking cigarettes. But why is smoking addictive? It is because of nicotine, a chemical which, within 10 seconds of entering the body, reaches your brain and causes the brain to release adrenaline, creating a buzz of pleasure and energy. The average price of a pack of cigarettes in the Philippines is 65 pesos, and there are 20 pieces of cigarettes per pack, that is 3.25 pesos per cigarette. For that amount, a Filipino can avail an easy way of pleasure and relaxation. Due to this, the Philippines has one of the highest smoking rates. This grants easy access to cigarettes and because of this, 28.3% of the Phippine population are smokers. Studies from the National Institute on Drug Abuse show that addiction is a resultant of the following environmental factors: genetic differences and the unique susceptibility of the target population. But this does not mean addiction can’t be cured. With determination, a proper mindset, and proper guidance, a smoker will have the resistance to put nicotine craving at bay. Here are three simple steps on how to quit smoking:
Photos by Martini D. Falco
STEP 1 Write a strategy on paper as this helps you stay focused, confident, and motivated to stop. Write why you want to stop, all the benefits and the drawbacks. It is best to build your own strategy because only you know your limitations.
STEP 2 Avoid cigarette seductions. These can be in the form of people, places, or things that trigger your smoking habits. In line with this, one should change your day-to-day routine to avoid anything that associates with smoking.
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 62 NUMBER 6 · OCTOBER 17, 2017
STEP 3 Ask for help. A support system is a network of people who provide you with practical or emotional support. Treat this support system as the final wall of defense against the urges of smoking. Once a smoker stops smoking, health benefits will occur almost instantaneously. Within 20 minutes of quitting smoking, your heart rate and blood pressure drops. Within 12 hours, the carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal. Within 2-12 weeks, circulation in your body improves and your lung function increases. Within 1-9 months, coughing and shortness of breath decreases. Within 1 year, your risk of coronary heart disease is about half that of a smoker’s. Within 5 years, your stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker 5 to 15 years after quitting. Within 10 years, your risk of lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker and your risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, cervix, and pancreas decreases. Within 15 years, the risk of coronary heart disease is that of a non smoker’s. Quitting smoking is a step-by-step process that requires a lot of patience and hardwork. In the end, you reap what you sow, so plant your seeds well in life.