by Juliet Saley

NATONIN, Mt. Province (26 January) -- To protect the growth and development of the youth and the public as well from the ill effects of cigarettes and tobacco smoking, the municipal officials in this western town has passed an ordinance prohibiting minors from smoking cigarettes and tobacco in public places.

Violation of this ordinance shall be penalized with a fine of P100 for the first offense and P300 for the second offense and every violation thereafter.

Smoking, studies show, is hazardous to health. Cigarette and tobacco smoking are said to be a cause of lung cancer, bronchitis and other various less common disease.

According to the Department of Health, Cordillera tops all regions in the country in terms of smoking. Health authorities are urging local officials and the public to help in the campaign against smoking because of its consequences on the health of smokers and the non-smokers as well.

Meanwhile, the sangguniang bayan also passed Ordinance No. 34, S. 2007 which was approved last January 7 by the Sangguiniang Panlalawigan through Resolution No. 3.

Municipal Ordinance No. 34 fixes the charges for dental fees.It requires anybody who avail of the services of the Rural Health Unit Dental office of this municipality to pay a dental fee depending on the service availed by their client.

Those who go for tooth extraction shall pay P50 and an additional P10 for every additional anesthesia. Clients who request for oral prophylaxis/cleaning shall pay P70- to P80; temporary filling is P50; permanent filling - P75 and dental repair is P50 to P60.