2019

This is an Entry to the Government Best Practice Recognition Awards

Title

Anti-Smoking Campaign of Laguna

Organization

Provincial Government of Laguna

Best practice Focus Area(s)

Leadership, Strategic planning and deployment, Customer and citizen focus

Year Implemented

2014

Summary

By virtue of Executive Order No. 42, S. 2014, Gov. Hernandez ordered the strict implementation of No Smoking Policy in 2014 covering all provincial offices and hospitals under the auspices of the Provincial Government of Laguna (PGL) to create a “100% smoke-free environment”. The Governor considers this as an “effective measure to provide protection from exposure to tobacco smoke, as provided for by Article 8 of the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention.” As such, Governor Hernandez appealed to everyone to quit smoking, and promote a healthy lifestyle, uphold the well-being, and the right of the people for a clean environment.

Background and Problem

For a long period of time, cigarette smoking was rampant and very common in offices and was tolerated even inside lunchrooms, conference rooms, restrooms, and other places within the workplace. Since smoking gives so many negative effects on the health of people including second-hand smoke, PGL took cognizance of its alarming condition and has considered the above-stated program to resolve health-related problems of its people.

The Intensive Implementation of No Smoking Policy in the Provincial Government of Laguna has been conceptualized to resolve several health issues related to smoking.  Although the public understands that smoking cigarettes are unhealthy, the lack of transparent information on the damage that can be done from smoking can also be dangerous. According to some valid medical research, inhaling tobacco smoke causes damage to many of the body’s organs and systems.

Solution and Impact

Since smoking cigarettes is unhealthy, and Public and medical awareness of the dangers of tobacco smoking is low, this administration felt the need for transparent information on the damage that can be done from smoking. The goal of the Anti Smoking Campaign Program is to educate its people that emanates within the Provincial Capitol Grounds, make the employees realize the negative effect of Smoking as well as the worst effect of secondhand smoke.

Components (Mechanism) of the Best Practice

Government regulations that restrict smoking may enhance smoker welfare by serving as a self-control mechanism that reduces the costs of quitting. In this situation, limitations on choice may be welfare-enhancing, particularly for smokers seeking to quit.

As part of the mechanism of the program, the Anti-Tobacco Task Force, do the following activities:

  •   Anti Smoking Campaign widely/extensively done
  •   Ocular inspection to government offices are done randomly
  •   Leaflets, handouts on the effect of smoking are disseminated 

Results & Impact

To the Organization – The initiative helps create a safe and healthy workplace, improves PGL image, higher work productivity due to fewer distractions, reduces risks of accidental fire. It also lowers the availability of sick leaves and the like.

To the Clients – more services are given with healthy bodies, the general public now enjoys uninterrupted working hours to avail services, ultimately increasing the working progress of government employees

Other Stakeholders – more services can be availed

Milestones

To upkeep the basic services rendered, the PGL plans to uplift the living condition of its people by providing enhanced services.  Increased budgetary resources shall also be given and shall target a bigger number of beneficiaries of the program