Smoke-free task force adopts former smoking area to transform into a smoke-free park

The Smoke-Free Baguio Task Force led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong has adopted a side lot that used to serve as a smoking area at City Hall for transformation into a smoke-free park.

The task force launched the adopt-a-park program with a clean-up held simultaneously with the “Contain that Butt” plugging activity in line with the World No Tobacco Day observance last May 31.

City Health Officer Dr. Rowena Galpo and Tobacco Control Program Coordinator Dr. Donnabel Panes said the selection of the former smoking site is symbolic of the city’s mission to curb the smoking problem en route to making the city totally smoke-free.

Panes said it is doubly significant considering that the area is also a stone’s throw away from two of the city’s biggest elementary schools and usually the frequented passageway for students.

Galpo said the area will be transformed into a full-fledged park in coordination with the City Environment and Parks Management Office under CEPM Officer Rhenan Diwas under the department’s adopt-a-park program.

CEPMO recommended a design with a cost estimate for the proposed park. – Aileen P. Refuerzo