DAVAO CITY – The city government’s stiff campaign against smoking here has gained global recognition for its commitment to promote smoke-free policies.

This, as the Global Smoke-free Partnership (GSP) recently announced its winners for this year, with the Davao City Anti-Smoking Task Force winning in the governmental body category.

In a statement sent to Manila Bulletin on Thursday through fax, GSP said the city’s anti-smoking task force came out on top for its “exceptional leadership and commitment to further smoke-free policies by a governmental agency.”

GSP is an international organization formed to promote effective smoke-free air policies worldwide. The partnership is a fusion of American Cancer Society and the Framework Convention Alliance to bring the World Hearth Federation and International Union Against Cancer and other organizations to advocate for and reinforce anti-tobacco policies.

Since 2002, it is unlawful to smoke or allow smoking in public buildings, vehicles, enclosed areas and other areas that the local government designated as non-smoking places in this city.

Right after the ordinance in 2002 took effect, the city mayor, the tourism office and the police were given responsibility to form the Davao City Anti-smoking Task Force.

This year, the task force has tallied a total of 690 violators apprehended by the police from January to July of this year.

Violators are then sued before the regional trial court. Once found guilty, first time offenders are meted a fine of P300 or one month imprisonment depending on the court’s discretion.