No smoking in cemeteries, public reminded
Director Neomie Recio, Acting Head of MMDA Health, Public Safety and Environmental Protection Office urged the public to check other health regulations that would be in place.
Daily TribuneDirector Neomie Recio, Acting Head of MMDA Health, Public Safety and Environmental Protection Office urged the public to check other health regulations that would be in place.
Cleaning of tombs during the Undas observation has been a lucrative sideline for those seeking to augment their income like this man at the Manila South cemetery Friday. | PHOTOGRAPH BY AL PADILLA FOR THE DAILY TRIBUNE @tribunephl_al
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Department of Health urged the public to refrain from smoking in public cemeteries and memorial parks during the All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day commemoration on 1 and 2 November.
This was announced yesterday by MMDA Acting Chairman Carlo Dimayuga III citing the existence of comprehensive smoke-free ordinances of all local government units in the National Capital Region.
"All LGUs in NCR do not allow smoking in specific public places including cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria," Dimayuga said.
Metro Manila LGUs have created their Smoke-Free Task Forces which ensure that smoke-free policies are followed. Violators may face a fine ranging from P500 to P5,000.
Dimayuga advised those who will visit the graves of their dearly departed loved ones to take extra precaution and observe Covid-19 minimum health protocols.
"People paying respect to their deceased loved ones may be exposed to tobacco smoke. Hence, anti-smoking policies will be strictly enforced for this year's Undas," he added.
Director Neomie Recio, Acting Head of MMDA Health, Public Safety and Environmental Protection Office urged the public to check other health regulations that would be in place.
"We encourage the public to comply with the guidelines on visiting cemeteries as the threat of the pandemic is still here," Recio stressed.
Health experts explained that vapes and e-cigarettes are also harmful as they contain highly toxic and addictive chemicals. Exposure to second-hand smoke as well as second-hand aerosol can harm the health of non-smokers.