Smoking banned in public schools; teachers covered
MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Education (DepEd) ordered public schools to ban smoking in public schools effective immediately.
According to DepEd assistant secretary Jonathan Malaya, smoking will not be allowed in both open and covered spaces in public schools.
The ruling, contained in DepEd Order No. 73, instructs school heads to put 'No smoking' signs at conspicuous places and 'You are entering a no smoking area' signs at school gates and side entrances.
Any student caught violating the no-smoking rule will be brought to the principal's office.
Even teachers and employees are covered by the no-smoking rule. Those who will violate the rule will get a warning that may lead to suspension in case of repeated offenses.
Public school teachers lauded the smoking ban as smoking endangers the health of people, whether students or adults.
DepEd said they will also conduct consultations with private schools and will encourage them to adopt the rule.
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SMOKING BAN
I saw on TV how the police, together with some people from DepEd/DOH(?) confiscated cigarettes being sold by the unwary vendors around the University Belt. I even saw how they took stacks of expensive cigarettes from a 7-11 outlet. Did that act made you feel better? Was that fair to all concerned? You should have first gave warnings to those people so they could atleast remove the cigarettes and sell them far from the schools - in order for them to recoup their capital. Those people are trying to make a decent living. IF YOU ARE DEAD SERIOUS with your campaign on health issues - why not go against all those smoke belchers that contribute much on lung related illnesses? Stop all those jeepneys and buses and other vehicles that are polluting the air? Your intentions are good but you should keep your acts together and be serious about it. WHY NOT GO AFTER THOSE WHO ARE SELLING PORNOGRAPHIC VIDEOS near the schools? ARE YOU REALLY SERIOUS? OR DO YOU ONLY WANT TO BE ON TV?