Mati City Health, Public Safety Office conduct “Operation Baklas” versus tobacco posters

Photo courtesy of Mati City Health Office

The City Health Office and Public Safety Office of Mati City spearheaded “Operation Baklas” along the Poblacion area on Tuesday, September 19, in a bid to rid the city of posters and tarpaulins advertising tobacco products.

“Operation Baklas” is in line with City Ordinance No. 249 or the Comprehensive Smoke-Free Ordinance of Mati City.

The ordinance prohibits the use, sale, distribution and advertisement of cigarettes and other tobacco products and electronic cigarettes in certain places in the city.

Photo courtesy of Mati City Health Office

City of Mati Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat has previously issued Executive Order No. 59 series of 2019 to create a Smoke-free Task Force in the city.

The task force is responsible for the implementation, enforcement and monitoring of the Smoke-Free Ordinance and the conduct of educational awareness campaigns, information dissemination programs, and capability building programs that will inform constituents and train enforcement officers about the dangers of tobacco.