AMLAN, Negros Oriental, Philippines — Dubbed as a model municipality in its adoption of a strictly no-smoking policy, this town is set to hold a festival to mark the second year of its passage of a smoke-free ordinance which won for it the prestigious Red Orchid award.

Said award, given by the Department of Health, recognizes the town’s efforts in getting its government officers to be 100 percent tobacco free.

This town, which is the pioneer in the creation of an anti-smoking ordinance in the province, will stage "Waybuga Festival" on July 15, 2011 with the theme "Amlan: Soaring High, Model of A Smoke-Free Community."

"Way buga" a Cebuano term for smoke-free was personally chosen by town officials to stress their fight against smoking.

Health data shows that most of those diagnosed with lung cancer are smokers while records revealed that over 17,000 new cases are diagnosed every year.

Meanwhile, prior to said grand festivity, a walk-for-a-cause to be participated by Amlan local government unit workers, local Department of Education (DepEd) personnel, barangay officials and school representatives will kick-off the festivities at 6 in the morning.

At 1 P.M., Amlan's eight barangays to be grouped into four contingents will take to the town's streets for a Street Dancing event to be followed by a showdown at the town plaza.