DPH: Establishments should have ‘no smoking’ signs

Establishments like restaurants, bars, and other public places should all have ‘no smoking’ signs, according to Department of Public Health Secretary Joseph Kevin Villagomez.

Villagomez said this during Wednesday evening’s Kick Butt Day held at the American Memorial Park Amphitheater.

During the event, which was organized by the Community Guidance Center, the Public Health secretary said community members ideally should not be given a choice in an establishment whether they want to be seated in a non-smoking or a smoking area.

“It should be a non-smoking place,” he said.

Tobacco usage is one of the Top 10 causes of death in the world, said Villagomez. He said he is hoping for a healthier CNMI that is completely tobacco and cancer free.

CGC event coordinator Reyna Malone said yesterday’s event aimed at promoting awareness among the youth groups in the CNMI for tobacco prevention.

Malone said 50 percent of high school students in the CNMI were surveyed to be regular tobacco users, while 30 percent of the high school juniors in the CNMI have been smoking for a long time. Malone said the data was based on the 2004 survey since the 2005 results have not been released yet.

Over 500 students participated in the March from the Carolinian Utt all the way to the American Memorial Park Amphitheater. Schools that participated yesterday were from Kagman High School, Hopwood Junior High School, Northern Marianas College, Mt. Carmel School, Marianas High School, Saipan Southern High School and Seventh Day Adventist School.

Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez’s wife Margaret opened yesterday’s event. KHS’ ROTC Program led the entertainment in the event followed by Jake and the No Talent Nothings band group. A Butt Spell game was also held and Northern Youth Basketball Association’s George Cruz won the game. The 2006 Marianas Idols III champions Juanette Villagomez and Richard Saures closed the program with their winning song numbers. Roslyn Leon Guerrero and Mike Manglona hosted the event program.

An exhibit was also held to complement the event yesterday. Seven groups had set up booths for the event and these groups were NYBA, Karidat House of Manhoben, NMC’s Upward Bound, DPH Breast and Cervical Program, CNMI Diabetes Prevention and Control Program, Garapan Youth Learning Center, and DPH HIV Prevention Group.

Malone said the Kick Butt Day wouldn’t have been successful without the help of Carmen’s Safeway, Saipan Mayor’s Office, Ming Li Corp., MHS, Emergency Management Office, the Office of the Governor, and Rep. Rey Yumul.

The event also acknowledged the help of Ayuda Network, the Youth Congress, KHS JROTC, Department of Public Safety, DPH Maintenance, American Memorial Park and Joeten Enterprises.