CITING it is one of the cities leading the way toward a smoke-free Metro Manila through their smoke-free ordinance, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) lauded Taguig City for its expressed desire to strictly enforce and implement their City Ordinance Number 15, series of 2017 passed the City Council and approved by City Mayor Lani Cayetano recently.
MMDA Chairman Danilo D. Lim said the agency recognized the effort of the Taguig local government to contribute to the health and sanitation of Metro Manila.
“We are glad that the 16 cities and one municipality in Metro Manila are one with the MMDA in providing a cleaner air for all living in the metropolis,” Lim said.
The Smoke Free Task Force of Taguig City has been established and the enforcers are undergoing training.
The MMDA will assist in training enforcers, conduct communication development workshops and other capacity- building activities. The agency will also assist in enforcing activities by providing technical support and manpower.
The agency will also help monitor and evaluate activities related to the ordinance and provide technical support for the ordinance’s implementation.
MMDA Health, Public Safety and Environmental Protection Office Director Loida Alzona also commended Taguig City for encouraging civilian participation in enforcing their anti-smoking ordinance.
“Public participation is highly encouraged to further strengthen the effectiveness of this policy. We must join hands toward the goal to have cleaner surroundings and healthier people,” she said.
Aside from Taguig, the MMDA is also closely coordinating with the rest of Metro Manila local government units in creating an effective policy against smoking.
