Members of the DTI Region VI Anti-Smoking/Vaping Task Force with representatives from the Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Taskforce (ICAST) and the Public Health Office-Smoke Free Aklan, proudly receive the prestigious Red Orchid Award from the Department of Health during the ceremony held on December 6, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Punta Villa Resort in Iloilo City.

Iloilo City, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has been awarded the prestigious Red Orchid Award from the Department of Health (DOH) for its outstanding commitment to creating a 100% tobacco-free workplace.

This recognition marks a significant accomplishment for DTI Region 6, which secured the award on its first attempt. This achievement underscored the agency’s dedication to fostering health and wellness among its employees and set a high standard for other government offices to emulate.

“We are incredibly proud of this achievement,” said DTI Region 6 Director Rachel Nufable, who spearheaded the campaign alongside Finance and Administration Division Chief Judith Kelly.

“Our goal has always been to influence other offices and demonstrate our commitment to creating a safe, healthy work environment. Achieving the Red Orchid Award on our first submission is proof to our team’s hard work and dedication,” Director Nufable added.

The journey of DTI Region 6 to the Red Orchid Award began earlier this year with support from the Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Taskforce (ICAST) and the Public Health Office-Smoke Free Aklan. Key initiatives included implementing World Health Organization-aligned tobacco prevention policies, enforcing a strict no-smoking policy, and adhering to Iloilo City Regulation Ordinance 2021-255 and Executive Order 26.

DTI Region 6’s Anti-Smoking/Vaping Task Force, including Atty. Jazer Miranda, Angelo Patrimonio, and Judy Mae Sajo; accepted the award on behalf of the agency.

The awarding ceremony also recognized public hospitals and other national government agencies championing tobacco-free environments to promote united commitment across various sectors to improving public health.

“This is not the end of our journey. We aim to sustain and enhance our programs, ensuring that we not only maintain our standards but exceed them,” Nufable said as she expressed optimism for their future tobacco-free initiatives.

The Red Orchid Award evaluates organizations for their strong efforts to create smoke-free environments, monitor tobacco use, provide cessation support, and raise awareness of tobacco’s dangers. ♦

Date of release: 17 December 2024