DTI VI Bags Red Orchid Award for Tobacco Control

The Department of Trade and Industry Region VI (DTI VI) has achieved a landmark accomplishment by winning the coveted Red Orchid Award from the Department of Health (DOH) for its outstanding efforts in creating a 100% tobacco-free workplace.

The award ceremony, held on Dec. 6, 2024, at Punta Villa Resort in Iloilo City, recognized DTI VI’s commitment to health and wellness through a comprehensive anti-tobacco campaign aligned with World Health Organization (WHO) standards.

DTI VI Regional Director Rachel Nufable hailed the achievement as a testament to the team’s dedication and hard work.

“We are incredibly proud of this achievement,” Nufable said. “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 of our team’s hard work and dedication.”

The DTI VI Anti-Smoking/Vaping Task Force, led by Atty. Jazer Miranda, Angelo Patrimonio, and Judy Mae Sajo, accepted the award on behalf of the agency.

The Red Orchid Award evaluates organizations based on strict criteria, including the implementation of smoke-free policies, monitoring of tobacco use, cessation support, and public awareness campaigns on tobacco’s harmful effects.

DTI VI’s anti-tobacco initiative, launched earlier this year, received significant support from the Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Taskforce (ICAST) and the Public Health Office-Smoke Free Aklan. The agency’s efforts included strict enforcement of Iloilo City Regulation Ordinance 2021-255 and Executive Order 26, which prohibit smoking in public and enclosed areas.

The DOH also recognized public hospitals and other government agencies for their contributions to creating smoke-free environments, signaling a collaborative effort across multiple sectors to improve public health.

“This is not the end of our journey,” Nufable added. “We aim to sustain and enhance our programs, ensuring that we not only maintain our standards but exceed them.”

DTI VI’s achievement sets a high standard for other government offices and reinforces the impact of adopting a tobacco-free workplace.

The agency is committed to further elevating its initiatives in 2025, with plans to strengthen existing programs and inspire others to champion similar efforts in their workplaces.

The Red Orchid Award signifies more than a recognition of compliance; it highlights leadership in promoting a culture of health and wellness within the public sector.

DTI VI’s milestone reinforces the message that a tobacco-free workplace is both achievable and essential for the well-being of employees and the larger community.