San Fernando City receives 2017 Red Orchid Award

November 18, 2017 Community Billboard

SAN FERNANDO CITY, LA UNION – The city government was cited as a Red Orchid Awardee for its extensive initiatives in maintaining a smoke-free environment during the celebration of the Department of Health Red Orchid Awards 2017 at the Sierra Madre Ballroom, Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte last November 9, 2017.
The Red Orchid Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Department of Health on anti-smoking advocacies of cities, municipalities, government offices, health facilities and DOH centers nationwide.
The city of San Fernando garnered a score of 91 percent based on the Department of Health’s set of criteria and validation tool in implementing tobacco control measures. In the previous years, the city has already received a White Orchid Award in 2012 and a Pink Orchid Award in 2013 with a garnered score of 70 percent and 89 percent respectively.
During the awarding ceremonies, City Mayor “Dong” Gualberto, alongside City Health Officer Dr. Eduardo Posadas, received a plaque of award from DOH representatives Division Chief of Health Promotions Rosemarie Aguire, Health Education and Promotions Officer Dave Zaragoza, Director IV for Health Promotion and Communication Service Mar Wynn Bello, Assistant Regional Director III Ruben Siapno and Loida Tantiado.
The city government also received a check worth of P100,000 to be used for the purchase of medications for tobacco-related diseases.
As a pledge, the city government will continue to promote anti-smoking campaigns and establish firm regulations against public smoking. City ordinances were constructed to protect the well-being of the citizens from the harmful effects of tobacco products. They are also looking forward to conduct several programs and seminars that will instill health consciousness among the locals of the city.
According to DOH, the winners were chosen on the strength of their comprehensive efforts to implement a 100% Tobacco-Free Environment following the World Health Organization’s “MPOWER” initiative. MPOWER is an acronym of the six proven tobacco control policies: monitor tobacco use and prevention policies; protect people from tobacco smoke; offer help to quit tobacco use; warn against the dangers of tobacco; enforce bans on tobacco advertising; and raise taxes on tobacco. JAMIE SO AND ERWIN BELEO / ABN