Keeping Ozamiz Schools Smoke-Free and Safe
A smoke-free school is essential to a healthy learning environment. It protects learners, teaching and nonteaching personnel, parents, visitors, and nearby communities from tobacco smoke and the risks associated with vaping and other nicotine products.
The memorandum on the reiteration of the no smoking policy on school premises reminds every school stakeholder that the rule remains active and must be consistently enforced. It supports DepEd’s responsibility to maintain safe, child-friendly, and health-promoting campuses throughout Ozamiz City.
What The Policy Requires
Smoking and the use of tobacco products are prohibited within school grounds, buildings, offices, classrooms, comfort rooms, covered courts, waiting areas, and other facilities under school administration. The restriction applies during and beyond class hours, including weekends, holidays, meetings, training sessions, and school activities.
The policy should also cover electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and similar devices where applicable under national regulations and local implementation rules. A smoke-free campus cannot depend on whether a product produces visible smoke; the goal is to prevent exposure, discourage nicotine use, and protect children from harmful behavior modeling.
Who Must Follow The Rule
The prohibition applies to learners, teachers, school heads, administrative staff, utility personnel, parents, contractors, visitors, drivers, and members of partner organizations. No person should be allowed to smoke or use prohibited nicotine products simply because they are outside a classroom or attending a private activity on school property.
School heads have a central role in communicating the rule and ensuring that personnel understand their responsibilities. Visitors and service providers should receive clear reminders before entering the premises, while school events should include smoke-free provisions in their programs, invitations, and coordination agreements.
Enforcement In A School Setting
Effective implementation begins with visible “No Smoking” and smoke-free environment signs in entrances, corridors, offices, gates, and common areas. Schools should orient learners and personnel, include the policy in campus rules, and explain the health, legal, and disciplinary consequences of violations.
Reports should be handled promptly, respectfully, and consistently. School authorities may document incidents, identify witnesses, notify the appropriate office, and apply existing DepEd and local government procedures. Enforcement must avoid humiliation or discrimination while still making clear that the school premises are protected spaces for children.
| Area of implementation | Practical school action | Responsible participants |
|---|---|---|
| Information | Post signs and conduct regular orientations | School head, teachers, health personnel |
| Prevention | Include the rule in student and visitor guidelines | School administration |
| Monitoring | Observe gates, offices, and gathering areas | Designated school personnel |
| Reporting | Record and refer alleged violations properly | School head or assigned committee |
| Support | Provide health education and referral information | School health staff and partners |
Health Protection And Child Welfare
Smoke-free enforcement is a child protection measure as well as a public health responsibility. Secondhand smoke can affect respiratory health, aggravate asthma, and expose learners to preventable hazards. Limiting tobacco use on campus also helps create an environment where healthy choices are visible and supported.
Teachers and school personnel should use age-appropriate health education to explain the effects of smoking, vaping, and nicotine dependence. Guidance offices and school health units can provide counseling, referrals, and prevention activities for learners or employees who need assistance in stopping tobacco use.
Administrative Coordination And Documentation
The memorandum should be cascaded through faculty meetings, parent conferences, learner orientations, and coordination with barangay officials and other community partners. Consistent communication reduces confusion and helps ensure that the policy is applied across public and private schools within the division.
School offices should retain records of orientations, posted notices, reported incidents, and actions taken. Administrative compliance works best when it is supported by organized documentation, just as personnel benefit from accessible forms for other workplace concerns, including the solo parent leave form.
Recommended School Actions
A practical response to the reiterated policy may include the following:
- Repost durable smoke-free signs at all entrances, offices, activity areas, and other visible locations.
- Include the prohibition in learner handbooks, visitor protocols, contracts, and school event guidelines.
- Assign responsible personnel to monitor common areas and document reported violations.
- Coordinate with the school health unit, barangay, and local health office for education and cessation support.
- Review campus procedures regularly to address tobacco, vaping, and emerging nicotine products.
A consistent approach strengthens trust among families and employees. It also demonstrates that school rules are connected to learner welfare, occupational health, national regulations, and the wider goal of building safe and supportive educational communities.
DepEd Ozamiz schools can help sustain this standard by sharing the memorandum with every stakeholder, placing smoke-free reminders where they can be seen, and reporting implementation concerns through the proper division channels. Firm, respectful, and well-documented action keeps school premises healthier for everyone.