I need to give an update on my last article wherein I asked the question, ”What is the meaning of a ‘public place’ as it pertains to a Dumaguete ordinance? You may have seen the numerous bulletins posted throughout the city proclaiming Dumaguete a smoke-free city.
Last Sunday, my wife and I decided to eat at Robinsons. After having a nice meal at Hukad, we proceeded to go up the ramp to the mall. Sure enough at the top of the ramp was a smoker belching out smoke. We had to stop and try to navigate our way around but due to a light rain we had to proceed if we wanted to get into the mall.
Many smokers do not care if we have to smell their smoke. They don’t realize how awful the smell of their habit affects others.
Why am I so deeply- concerned about the issue of smoking? We need to go back 11 years ago when I had to bury my mother after her battle with lung cancer, you got it right. That’s why I battle against smoking with all my heart. My heart was hurt that rainy day in Cleveland, Ohio when we put her ashes in the ground.
My mother smoked almost all of her life. But, 15 years before she died, she asked me what I wanted for my birthday. I told her I wanted her to quit smoking as the evidence was mounting on the disastrous effects of this habit. Amazingly, she did, but she always told me the desire to smoke another cigarette kept haunting her.
But the result of years of smoking still took its toll on her body. She died way too young, and I know she wanted to continue living to enjoy her grandchildren, and her great grandchildren. Tears still fall as I remember our many talks, on many different subjects, mainly the importance of our faith.
So my wife and I proceeded to enter the mall. At the entrance, I asked the guard if Robinsons was a public place. To my surprise, he stated it was a private place. I proceeded to go to the info booth, and they told me there were designated areas for smokers.
Wow, a designated area at the top of an entrance ramp. Just another publicity campaign without any real consequences. I guess smokers have more rights than non-smokers. I just hope I don’t get cancer from second-hand smoke.
If anyone reading this is a smoker, I would encourage them to quit and pray to God for the courage to do so.
Just last week, the national government passed a law requiring tobacco companies to put more graphic details on their cigarette packaging. I hope that this law will be implemented, and that smokers can see the damage their habit is doing to their bodies.
Next week, my wife and I, along with three athletes, will be going to Cebu for the Milo Little Olympics. This event attracts most of the elite athletes from the Visayas. Only gold medalists will qualify for the finals in October in Manila.
Remember smokers, please consider others when you light up. God bless and good health.
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Author’s email: HealthAssist@hotmail.com
