Last October 29, 2015, another milestone in the Municipality of Pilar happened as the Department of Health Regional Office Validation Team conducted a Red Orchid Awards validation of the Anti-Tobacco program of the municipality. The validation happened at the Sangguniang Bayan Hall at 9:00 in the morning.
The validation team checked the 2014 documents and accomplishment of the program in the town. Mr. Ace Anthony Vicedo, nurse from the Municipal Health Office and coordinator for the tobacco control presented to the validating team the accomplishments and status of the anti-tobacco program from 2014 to date. A table discussion was conducted to check the validity of the documents presented.
After the table discussion, the team also went around the municipality to check if there are sufficient No Smoking logos posted in strategic places such as schools, public market, tricycle terminal, and point of sale or establishment where cigarettes were prohibited to be sold. They also interviewed some tricycle drivers as to the status of the anti-smoking program in the point of view of Pilar residents and how they find the program.
The validation team consisted of Mr. Sonny Al Paje, Project Officer, Mr. Rommel David, DOH-NTCCO, Ms. Lara Pares, Project Administrative Officer, and Mr. Joel Dioso, Administrative Assistant. They were accompanied to the municipality by Mr. Jemuel Bornolia, Provincial Health Office Nurse.
When the team got back to the SB Hall, it was time for the validation team to give their comments and findings. The team found the program effective. They also gave suggestions on how to further strengthen the program.
Also present in the event were the members of the Smoke Task Force, SB Edgardo Lulu, and our very supportive and goal-oriented, Mayor Alicia D. Pizarro. Mayor Pizarro was proud to share to the assembly the different programs in the municipality beside the anti-tobacco program on which she emphasized the goodness it has given to the residents of Pilar so far. She also mentioned that the uniform of the Municipality employees serves as walking advertisements as the uniforms bear the various programs of the municipality.
Mr. Vicedo also took the opportunity to show to the visitors the tourist attractions in Pilar which the team found fascinating and interesting. Later that afternoon, the team enjoyed the zip line in Dunsulan Falls, one of the eco-tourism attractions in Pilar.