Former Governor Jose Baldado has formally signed three landmark legislations in Negros Oriental before he stepped down from office June 30. {{more}}
Among the landmark legislations include the Smoking Prohibition of Negros Oriental, declaring Negros Oriental as an Organic Province and GMO-free Negros Oriental.
The Smoking Prohibition of Negros Oriental was signed by former Governor Baldado during the culmination of the No Tobacco Month at the Freedom Park early this week.
The signing of the ordinance was witnessed by hundreds of students from different high schools and universities in Dumaguete, teachers, officials from the Department of Health and some of the local officials who supported the Smoking Prohibition ordinance of the province.
Board Member Marcelo Adanza, whose term ended June 30, authored the said ordinance in order to fully implement the no smoking campaign and further educate the public on the health hazards of smoking.
In his message, Adanza said the ordinance will serve as weapon of the local chief executives to fully implement the Smoking Prohibition ordinance in their locality. The responsibility of making the law effective lies on the hands of the local officials.
Although, he admitted that the implementation would create controversies in the community but constant education and information campaign will help the people understand the dangers of smoking.
Meanwhile, the GMO-free Negros Oriental and declaring Negros Oriental as an Organic Province was also signed Tuesday during the meeting with the department heads and employees at the Lamberto Macias Sports Complex.
Also, present during the ceremony were Dr. Angel Alcala and some members of non government organizations who are supportive of the organic agriculture. The two ordinances were authored by outgoing board member Lea Bromo who extended his appreciation to her colleagues at the Provincial Board who helped her passed the said ordinance.
Dr. Alcala said the GMO- free ordinance is a welcome development for the province of Negros Oriental because the top seed producers in the world are not too honest on how they produce there seeds. The Genetically Modified Organisms will destroy the microorganisms that are helpful to the environment and slowly losing the indigenous seeds like in corn and rice.
Baldado said he has fulfilled his duties as governor for 17 days in the province of Negros Oriental.
Baldado was vice governor before he assumed the post of governor following the death of Gov. Emilio Macias II who was re-elected last May 10 but died on June 13. (JFP/MAranas
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