The Samal Island Information Office, however, said that the awarding ceremony to confer the award will be made on November 23, 2023.
Team validators were from the Department of Health (DOH) and from the Provincial Health Office of Davao del Norte.
The island received the Red Orchid Award in 2017, and in 2018. It was supposed to be declared the 2019 Hall of Famer, but it was cancelled due to COVID-19.
The “Hall of Famer” status is an acknowledgement of the city’s long-term commitment to a smoke-free future. It solidifies the city’s reputation as a trailblazer in the fight against tobacco use, promoting cleaner air and improved public health.
The LGU's exceptional performance in compliance, enforcement, public awareness, community engagement, and health impact, earned the highest scores in the Red Orchid Award evaluation.
The Red Orchid Awards are the DOH's search for government hospitals, offices, and local government units (LGUs) who implement a smoke-free environment and meet the World Health Organization's (WHO) quality requirements for tobacco prevention and control.
Despite certain challenges encountered during the actual field inspection, the local government received the highest score. The validators said the challenges could be easily managed and they viewed situation as “beyond the implementers' control”.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Samal Station was also been declared a “Hall of Famer" in the Red Orchid Award evaluation for its exemptional implementation of anti-smoking measures, promoting a smoke-free environment within correctional facilities, and prioritizing the health and well-being of both inmates and staff.
City Mayor Al David T. Uy, represented by Florencio Thaddeus T. Valera, and City Health Officer Dr. Dennis Carlos D. Flores, joined hands in the implementation of the anti-smoking initiatives that were carried out by anti-smoking and tobacco control program coordinator, Anna Marie Makabenta. (JMDA/ from Samal Information Office with photos)
Contributed Photo