Refrain from smoking in public cemeteries and memorial parks during the observance of “Undas” or the All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day on Nov. 1 and 2, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Department of Health (DOH) reminded the public on Friday, Oct. 28.
In a joint press release, the MMDA and DOH said all local government units (LGUs) in the National Capital Region (NCR) have their respective comprehensive smoke-free ordinances.
“All LGUs in NCR, do not allow smoking in specific public places including cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria,” MMDA Acting Chairman Carlo Dimayuga III said.
According to the MMDA, smoke-free task forces have been formed by LGUs in the NCR to ensure that smoke-free policies are followed. Infringers may face fines ranging from P500 to P5,000.
Dimayuga also advised those who plan to visit the graves of their loved ones to take extra precautions and follow COVID-19 minimum health protocols.
“People paying respect to their deceased loved ones may be exposed to tobacco smoke. Hence, anti-smoking policies will be strictly enforced for this year’s Undas,” he added.
Meanwhile, Director Neomie Recio, acting head of the MMDA Health, Public Safety, and Environmental Protection Office, urged the public to review other health regulations that would be in place.
“We encourage the public to comply with the guidelines on visiting cemeteries as the threat of the pandemic is still here,” she said.
Meanwhile, health experts said that vapes and e-cigarettes are also dangerous due to the presence of highly toxic and addictive chemicals.
“Exposure to second-hand smoke as well as second-hand aerosol can harm the health of non-smokers.”
The health department noted that tobacco smoke contains approximately 7,000 harmful chemicals, 70 of which are cancer-causing substances (carcinogens).