Adventists join Anti-Smoking Campaign in Davao City

June 4, 2018 • in News & Events

Adventists and anti-smoking advocates were among the more than 200 public officials, religious sector’s officials, and other non-government organizations celebrating the 16th Anniversary of the Anti-Smoking Campaign held at Rizal Park, Davao City on May 31.

This is in observance of the “World No Tobacco Day” of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Davao Mission have been consistently supporting the advocacy of the local government of Davao City that informs the public about the risk associated with smoking tobacco and advocating for its effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption.

The event was started with a motorcade from Victoria Plaza going to Rizal Park where the program was held. Office-in-charge of the Vice Regulation Unit (VRU) and Anti-Smoking Task Force co-chair, Dr. Ashley Lopez welcomed the delegates and participants. He also admired the presence of the Adventists, who have shown their continued support for the Anti-Smoking Campaign of the city.

“I am very thankful to the Adventists for their support since the implementation of this campaign in 2002, until today, even though there was a change of administration, you are still here supporting this cause.” Lopez said in an interview.

The Adventist Church, widely-known for being health-conscious, continue to inform the public about the danger of cigarettes. In fact, they conducted a smoking-cessation counseling program held at Adventist Hospital – Davao in Bangkal, this city. This program will encourage everyone to quit smoking, including e-cigarettes and vapes.

Pastor William Nacorda, Health Ministries director of Davao Mission, led the members to the venue. He was warmly pleased by the response of the Adventists to this campaign. Nacorda also encouraged the members to join not only in the anti-smoking campaign but also in the regulation of vices, which is a program of the city government of Davao.

“I am encouraging everyone to continue our support to the programs and maintain our healthy lifestyle and through this, we can be a role model to others,” he continued.

During the event, recognition and awards were given to the police officers, police stations, which apprehended the most number of smokers and the establishments which observed the 100% No-Smoking Policy.

The Adventist Church and its members vowed to strengthen their advocacy to help people quit smoking and make the city a smoke-free environment. (Vecente Macalua)