CEBU CITY – The Region 7 office of the Department of Health (DoH 7) has lauded the no smoking campaign of the municipality of Amlan in Negros Oriental, which includes strong implementation of local ordinances against smoking and other measures to help minimize smoking in the town.

Dr. Juditha Tawatao, program coordinator of the Stop Smoking Program of DoH 7, said the municipality is among the model towns in the province because it was able to implement the “no smoking” campaign of the health department.

Tawatao said a big billboard that states “Amlan is a no-smoking municipality” greets those arriving in the town, a good initiative to remind its constituents and tourists on the fight against the bad habit.

Meanwhile, in its aim to further boost the No Smoking Campaign, DoH 7 is set to recognize local government units that are active in promulgating ordinances in support of the campaign.

The Red Orchid Award ceremonies slated this November 20 is the search for the 100 percent smoke free town, hospital and offices as part of the department’s promotion of the Healthy Lifestyle Program.

The DoH 7 recently issued a memorandum order banning smoking in its compounds. Since it was issued, no personnel has been seen smoking, which is a good sign for the campaign, Tawatao said.