Manila: The city government convened on Wednesday health professionals, youth leaders, barangay officials, and community organizations for the inaugural '1st Breath Free Legazpi: Smoke-Free Congress,' aimed at strengthening anti-smoking and anti-vaping advocacy and expanding grassroots implementation of smoke-free policies. Held as part of the city's ongoing public health campaign, the congress gathered about 350 participants to discuss the health risks of smoking and vaping, promote tobacco-free communities, and reinforce the implementation of existing smoke-free ordinances.
According to Philippines News Agency, in his opening remarks, City Health Officer Dr. Francis Gerald Gomez said the event marks a significant milestone in Legazpi's pursuit of a healthier, safer community. Gomez stated that the congress serves as a platform to strengthen the city's collective commitment to protecting public health by promoting smoke-free and vape-free environments and fostering a culture of healthy living. He emphasized that the success of smoke-free initiatives relies on the active participation of every sector of society, urging stakeholders and community members to champion health and advocate for positive change.
In an interview, Gomez mentioned that the primary objective of the congress is to bolster advocacy efforts and empower communities in the fight against smoking and vaping. He highlighted the invitation extended to health professionals, youth organizations, Sangguniang Kabataan officials, barangay representatives, and partner organizations to help advance the campaign for a smoke-free Legazpi City. Gomez addressed the issue of respiratory diseases being among the leading causes of illness in the city, stressing the need to protect residents, particularly children, from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.
Gomez also underscored the crucial role of barangays in enforcing smoke-free ordinances and ensuring that anti-smoking measures reach the grassroots level. He expressed optimism that the congress would create a wider impact by bringing the city's advocacy directly to communities, thereby expanding the initiative beyond the city government and down to the barangays. The city's smoke-free campaign has already gained momentum, with several barangays adopting ordinances patterned after the city's smoke-free policy.
Enforcement efforts continue daily, with city personnel regularly conducting monitoring operations and apprehending violators. Gomez noted that enforcement is coupled with education, emphasizing that it is not just about imposing penalties but also about providing education to violators to help them understand the importance of complying with the ordinance. The day-long congress included a deputation ceremony for smoke-free enforcers and a commitment-signing activity dubbed '300 Signatures for Smoke-Free Legazpi,' among others.
