Last November 10, 2014, our dynamic Mayor Alicia D. Pizarro initiated the launching of Anti-Tobacco Control Program at the Municipality of Pilar during the flag ceremony on an early clear Monday sky.
The program is under the Municipal Resolution #100, s2014 adopting the Provincial Ordinance #1, s2013. The ordinance states that cigarette smoking is prohibited in public places of Pilar like the playgrounds, schools, church, health centers, terminal, public market, plaza, street roads, waiting sheds, and public utility vehicles. Corresponding penalty of not lower than P500 to P2500 and imprisonment of not more than a year will be implemented to violators.
An informative message was given by Dr. Rosanna M. Buccahan, Provincial Health Officer. She emphasized that because cancer is the leading cause of mortality in the country today, the need to take care of our bodies particularly our lungs is of utmost importance to prevent occurrence of lung cancer or other illnesses as well. She mentioned that this move by our municipal mayor is indeed a bold yet very crucial one if we aim for a healthier Pilar.
Mayor Alicia D. Pizarro inspired everyone to aim for a smoke-free Pilar as this can help us become healthier individuals. She challenged the community to quit smoking as she stressed that together, quitting smoking can be a conquerable option. She also stated that a healthy community is a happy community.
She mentioned that we are blessed to be very well-supported by our governor in our different endeavors towards development, thus Pilar is taking its step in supporting the various programs and projects of the provincial government as well such as a smoke-free Bataan. She sought the active participation of everyone especially the baranggay officials to truly guard their areas in this endeavor.
The symbolic breaking of cigarettes was participated in by Mayor Alicia D. Pizarro, Vice Mayor Marino H. Caguimbal, SB Edgardo Lulu, ABC President Miguel D. Solomon, Dr. Rosanna M. Buccahan, Dr. Jeolfa G. Reyes, PINSP Dennis R. Orbista, and Dr. Cherrielyne E. Naguit. A ceremonial signing of the No Smoking banner was also done led by Mayor Alicia D. Pizarro and followed by all the participants.
All the municipal employees are present in the launching ceremony. It was also graced by baranggay leaders and officials, civic organization leaders and officials, and the Dep-Ed Pilar school principals headed by Dr. Jeolfa G. Reyes. The Pilar Encyclopedia was distributed to the different school representatives as well.
The launching ended with snacks and a joyful and positive hope that this program will start a healthier community for all our beloved Pilarians.
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