The Dumaguete City Health Office is offering free counseling sessions for smokers who have difficulty quitting.

City Health Officer Ma. Sarah Talla told the DAILY STAR that trained nurses have been assigned to the smoke cessation clinic established by the local government, in line with the full implementation of the no-smoking ordinance, and that it started September 1.

City Administrator William Ablong said the ordinance does not completely prohibit smoking in Dumaguete, only in public places and those designated as no- smoking zones.

First offense carries a reprimand, a P500 fine for the second offense, and a P1,000 fine or imprisonment of not more than five days or both, for the third and subsequent offenses. The violator may also be compelled to render community service.*RA

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