PIA honored anew as smoke-free workplace

By Sally Atento-Altea

LEGAZPI CITY --- For the fourth consecutive year, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in the Bicol region has been recognized as a 100 percent smoke-free workplace by the city government of Legazpi.

During the awarding ceremony held in this city on December 2, both the PIA regional office and the PIA Information Center in Albay were among 54 offices and establishments honored for their commitment to maintaining a smoke-free environment.

Mayor Hisham Ismail emphasized that this recognition highlights the participating institutions’ dedication to promoting a healthy workplace.

“We honor and celebrate the commitment of establishments that have taken a great step toward public health by maintaining a completely smoke-free environment,” Ismail said during the ceremony.

Legazpi City’s ordinance prohibits smoking and vaping in public places. Ismail also expressed gratitude to the awardees for their support of the city’s health initiatives.

“To our partners in the private sector, government agencies, schools, and communities, thank you for setting high standards. Your dedication demonstrates that progress is driven not only by policies but also by individuals who lead by example,” he remarked.

Portia Rogando, the smoke-free program focal person at the Legazpi City Health Office, reported that this year, 372 government offices, business establishments, schools, barangay halls, and radio stations were inspected to assess compliance with the ordinance.

Henry Maceda, vice president for programming at PBN Broadcasting Network’s DZGB-AM, encouraged media workers to promote smoke-free practices. His station was also recognized at the ceremony.

“This should be a practice for all of us, following what our government is doing,” Maceda said.

“To our fellow citizens and colleagues in media and broadcasting, I urge you to support this advocacy so we can help our communities.”

Alma Chavez, president of the GENECOM Institute of Science and Technology Inc., said that the city government’s smoke-free initiative has strengthened and sustained their school’s advocacy.

GENECOM was one of the 15 awardees in the schools’ category.

“We are overwhelmed by this recognition. We invite all schools, as agents and multipliers of change, to strictly implement this advocacy,” Chavez said.

Additionally, the Legazpi City Health Office continued its anti-smoking efforts through brief tobacco interventions, with a total of 235 smokers receiving guidance and support to quit smoking.

The city’s smoke-free establishment program, launched in 2009, recognizes institutions that comply with its anti-smoking ordinance and promotes healthier public environments. (Raiza Lucido contributed to this report/PIA5/Albay)