Davao Mission is Best Smoke-Free Workplace

June 2, 2014 • in News & Events

Davao Mission workers, headed by Pastor Edwin Magdadaro (seen holding the certificate) with City Administrator, Atty. Melchor Quitain and Dr. Domilyn Villariz, Co-Chair of the Anti-Smoking Task Force of Davao City paused for a photo-op.

Representatives of the different establishments in Davao City joined the cue as Davao City celebrated the 12th anniversary of Smoke-Free Davao. Participants paraded through the major streets in Davao, which culminated with a celebration and awarding program at the Quezon Park, fronting Davao City Hall.

Earlier, Adventist Youths ably assisted by the Traffic Management Group (TMG) personnel flagged down private and public utility vehicles, along corners and streets in Davao City, for the free NO-SMOKING  stickers.

An Adventist Youth sticks on a NO SMOKING sticker on a passenger vehicle.

Dr. Domilyn Villariz, Co-chairman of the Anti-Smoking  Task Force of Davao City was overwhelmed with the data provided by her office regarding the strict implementation of the City Anti-Smoking Ordinance 0367-12.

During the celebration, she also recognized the efforts of the different implementing units of the government for doing their job. One of the most awaited parts of the program was the oath of implementation by the Davao City Police station commanders. Administering the oath was P/Supt. Vicente Danao, Jr. of Davao City Police Office, who also vowed to make Police stations–Smoke-Free Workplaces.

Davao Mission of Seventh-day Adventists received the Best Smoke-Free Workplace award. The award recognizes private and government institutions for a 100% implementation of the city ordinance. The award was received by Pastor Edwin Magdadaro and Pastor William Nacorda, Executive Secretary and Health Ministries director of Davao Mission, respectively. Handing the award was Atty. Melchor Quitain, Davao City Administrator and Dr. Villariz.

“Recently, Davao City was visited by other countries come to Davao City to learn about our Anti-Smoking ordinance,” Dr. Villariz announced. ” Davao Mission is a partner and one of our study sites. This would mean we can bring our foreign visitors anytime to this establishment. ”

“We look forward to making Davao City, not only a Smoke-Free City but also a Tobacco-Free City in the near future,” Villariz added.

“We would like to recognize the efforts of Dr. Villariz and the entire Anti-Smoking Task Force, ” Atty Quitain said. ” This is indeed a significant milestone for the city of Davao.”

[AdventistMEDIA]