Tan Holdings workplaces now smoke-free

Tan Holdings Corp. is taking the lead in promoting a healthier lifestyle with the Saturday launch of its “I Love My Smoke-Free Workplace,” a company-wide initiative that seeks to encourage smokers to quit and prevent the hazards of secondhand smoke, a major cause of cancer.

Inspired by the memory of departed friend JP Pangelinan, Tan Holdings’ president Jerry Tan said the “I Love My Smoke-Free Workplace” campaign is focused toward protecting the health of company employees and making sure that Tan Holdings promotes a work environment that is free from the risks of secondhand smoke.

“We are not forcing our employees who smoke to quit. Rather, we want to make sure that our employees who don’t smoke are not subjected to the negative effects of smoking,” he said. “This is about upholding everyone’s right to a healthy, productive workplace.”

Tan expressed hope that the “I Love My Smoke-Free Workplace” campaign will inspire other companies to implement similar measures and that visitors to the company’s offices will enjoy the smoke-free environment.

Organized by Tan Holdings’ senior vice president Eli Arago and HR manager Malou Ernest, the launching was held at the Azucena Room of the Fiesta Resort and Spa Saipan, attended by several prominent guests that included Saipan Chamber of Commerce officer Alex Sablan Philippine Consul General Wilfredo Maximo, and FHP general manager Nora Sablan, as well as corporation executives and managers.

The launching also featured several presentations headlined by no less than Public Health Secretary Kevin Villagomez and Dr. Alan S. Markoff, who discussed the ill effects of smoking and secondhand smoke. Villagomez highlighted the effects of cigarette and secondhand smoke on a person’s health, while Dr. Markoff focused on the oral impact of betel nut chewing and smoking.

Villagomez, in particular, said that a worrying trend is the rise in the number of people getting sick from secondhand smoke. “The rate is now almost level with that of smokers,” he said.

He promoted the department’s free Tobacco Cessation Program at the Community Guidance Center and its Tobacco Quitline (323-7848 or 323-5686) for those who want to quit smoking.

Among the ex-smokers who provided testimonials at the launching were Finance Secretary Eloy Inos and Saipan Grand Hotel GM Ed Cho.

To complement the campaign launch, Nat Angeles of the IT Department created a screensaver that will be installed in all company computers and a website (www.tanholdings.com/smokefree) that will feature initiative updates plus helpful tips on how to quit smoking.

The Community Guidance Center also set up a booth inside the Azucena Room, with Prevention Services Manager Reyna Saures, Tobacco Program Coordinator Edward DLC Camacho, and CGC Director Josephine Sablan providing several leaflets, literature and charts on the ill health effects of smoking and secondhand smoke. [B][I](Saipan Tribune)[/I][/B]