We are a group of concerned senior high school students from Mapua University who has observed the evident smoking within Intramuros. It is interfering with other people who are non-smokers especially that there are several schools located within the said area.

We are concerned about ourselves, as well as our fellow students, who could inhale the second-hand smoke which could result to lung-related diseases. Aside from this, we have also noticed many scattered cigarette butts around. This may also result to possible cause of accidental fire in the area.

It was stated in Section 10 of the Republic Act No. 9211 also known as the Tabacco Regulation Act of 2003, "The sale or distribution of tobacco products is prohibited within one hundred (100) meters from any point of the perimeter of a school, public playground or other facility frequently particularly by minors.

In line with this, we would like to propose establishing designated smoking areas within Intramuros. They should at least be 100 meters away from the schools inside the mentioned area to abide by the stated law above. Ashtray bins are also requested to be provided in these designated smoking areas to prevent the proliferation of cigarette butts after smoking. “Designated smoking area” signages must also be provided to guide the smokers the appropriate and designated smoking area.
Achieving this could help the non-smokers avoid or not inhale smoke from cigarettes. It can also prevent possible fire and lessen the trash (cigarette butts) and hazards (possible fires) around Intramuros.