Long-term anti-smoking drive launched

By Jeehan V. Fernandez

The Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Taskforce (ICAST) chaired by Councilor Julienne Baronda recently launched a long-term campaign to eradicate smoking in public places in Iloilo City .

Dubbed Smoke Free Iloilo City 2010, the anti-smoking drive would be ushered by the various anti-smoking advocates, especially the youth sector.

Baronda said, Surigao Representative Prospero Pichay who is a renowned advocate of anti-smoking program in the country, has assured his commitment to serve as partner of the ICAST.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas led the mass oath taking ceremony of the officers and allied advocates of the ICAST at Robinsons Fountain Area on January 22.

“Don't be like me,” Treñas , a smoker himself, told the audience, particularly the youngsters.

The “no smoke” advocacy is being sponsored by Globe Telecom, Robinsons Place Iloilo, Gabay Bayan Youth, Bombo Radyo Philipppines , Philippine Heart Association, Iloilo city's Ilang-ilang Jaycees, Iloilo Business Club, Iloilo Press Club, SM City, GMA Network, Light Tops Studio, SK Federation of Iloilo City, Mang Inasal , Coca-Cola Bottlers, Iloilo Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Jaro Archdiocesan Action Center and other peoples-and-non-government organizations.