By Rodrigo S. Victoria
NAVAL, Biliran — The local government unit (LGU) of Naval will be using the monetary incentive it received as a Department of Health (DOH) Red Orchid Awardee Hall of Famer to strengthen its anti-smoking campaign.
Dr. Fernando B. Montejo, Naval municipal health officer and the head of the town’s anti-smoking task force, said they will prioritize the smoke cessation counselling program that would eventually complement other programs being implemented, projects and activities on anti-smoking campaign.
“I can see that this is a big help in the anti-smoking campaign of the municipality” Montejo said referring to the plan to implement a smoke cessation counselling program intended for smokers to gradually quit from smoking.
He said that part of the amount will be used to purchase audio-visual equipment like television set and portable sound system that will be used in the conduct of counselling for smokers.
Montejo also said that his office has already conducted an informal smoke cessation counseling to at least two clients who wanted to quit smoking.
“I hope this plan on smoke cessation counseling program would effectively complement the implementation of the local ordinance prohibiting smoking in public places” he added.
Montejo also urged smokers, especially the heavy smokers here in Naval town who plan to quit smoking to just visit the municipal health office where the smoke cessation counseling program will be conducted so that they will be assisted to gradually stop smoking. (PIA 8 Biliran)