Be Responsible

In the Webster dictionary, the word RESPONSIBLE (adj) is defined as being accountable, as for something within one’s power; involving duties or obligations; being the source or cause of something; having the capacity to make moral decisions; reliable or dependable.

We, being members of Kool Earth, the environmental arm of Aklan Medical Society, are keenly watchful of our surroundings. It is a personal conviction when you become member of a certain organization that is civic-minded, you become aware of your surroundings and make yourself worthy member of that organization.

However, there is a risk. But for one that has nobody to be afraid of, one that has the only thing in her/his mind is the safety of lives, then why be afraid? Principled person has nothing to be afraid of. Unless you are politically-minded, and you are afraid that you will be oust from your party when you are vigilant and have stepped on your boss’s ego? Again, principled person has nothing to be afraid of. Either, you are IN or OUT!!!

For the last couple of months, we have seen gas pump stations mushroomed in Kalibo and even outside of Kalibo. Since we started making our national road the Nautical Highway for RoRo, businessmen were aggressive putting up gas stations in every corner. Not even minding the law or any ordinances. We have nothing against these businessmen, they are in fact our friends. However, we wanted them to be responsible businessmen and also looking after the welfare of the community in return. Putting up gas station near school, store that sells and allows smoking nearby is a BIG NO. How much more putting up a smoking area within the parameters of the gas pump station? There should be a signage in all gas stations “NO SMOKING WITHIN 50 METERS”, correct me if am wrong.

Meanwhile, Republic Act 9211 – otherwise known as the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, Section 10 states that tobacco products is prohibited within 100 meters from any point of the perimeter of a school, public playground or other facility frequented particularly by minors.

RA 9211 is the first national law on tobacco control after three (3) decades of fighting for it. It is an act to regulate the use, sale, packaging, distribution and advertisement of tobacco products. Its policy of the state is to protect the populace from hazardous products and promote the right to health and instill health consciousness among them.

Everybody is aware why we do our best to promote CLEAN AIR. As members of the environmental group, we do our best to show our love and care for you. It is only being watchful of our surroundings. By doing so, we promote a healthful environment, inform the public of the health risk associated with cigarette smoking and tobacco use, assist and encourage businessmen and smokers to be responsible members of the community, and oversee the implementation of the law, among others.

SMOKING IS ABSOLUTELY PROHIBITED IN THE ALL PUBLIC PLACES, especially in the GAS PUMP STATION!

One more thing, so as not to expose the non-smoker to secondhand smoke (studies have clearly shown that SECONDHAND SMOKE CAUSES CANCER), in the law, there is standards for designated smoking areas. For one, it must be physically separated from the non-smoking areas by SOLID WALLS/PARTITIONS from floor to ceiling interrupted only by doors equipped with door closets. The rationale behind this is that to ensure that cigarette smoke will not drift or permeate to the non-smoking areas, not to mention preventing smoke to escape to the non-smoking areas from the designated smoking area.

The NO SMOKING SIGN in the gas pump station is not even legible and visible to all the consumers and tourists who stopped to any of the gas station. The signage or notice posted shall include warning about health effects of direct or secondhand exposure to tobacco smoke. Now, this is not only for school and office buildings, it should be in all public places, that includes all gas pump station.

Furthermore, in Chapter 1, Sec. 4 of RA 8749 of the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 states that, we citizens have the RIGHT TO BREATHE CLEAN AIR. Your office could be instrumental in rules governing smoking to be banned in any of the following locations: inside a pubic bldg., enclosed public places, including public vehicles and other means of transport, one’s private residence, place of work (ATTENTION: GOVERNMENT OFFICES), any duly designated enclosed area. DILG Memorandum Circular 2004-85 and Provincial Ordinance 004-S.1995 adopted the same law.

Moreover, chapter 4, Sec. 39 of the same code states, Public Education and Information Campaign, consistent with Sec. 7 of the said Act, such campaign shall encourage the participation of OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, and the private sector including NGO’s (i.e. Aklan Medical Society, Allied Health Services, Rotary Clubs, Kiwanis Clubs, etc), PO’s, the academe (your school), environmental groups (i.e. Kool Earth) and other private entities in a multi-sectoral information campaign.

There has been so many center and advocacy group who have invested time, effort and resources on this campaign. We hope not to be deaf and mute on this one. Our message? We just want you to be a RESPONSIBLE CITIZEN of this community. What you do to your health, might not be our concern. What you do to your business, might not be our concern. But what you do to our children is OUR CONCERN.

All of us must act now. Each of us can give our share. Everyone can help in their own small way. As long as we are together, we have a better chance to achieve clean air and save lives, too. Do not be afraid to say, “I MIND.”

Note: This article was published in Madyaas Pen, the Aklan's Reliable Newsweekly and the Western Visayas The Explorer, the Good News for A Better Life.