The Bataan provincial government has declared its beaches a no-smoking zone to promote a healthy community as well as to protect the environment.

Governor Jose Enrique Garcia III, in coordination with the Provincial Tourism Office, on Tuesday launched the smoke-free beaches program in Barangay Pag-asa, Bagac town where rows of resorts line the beaches adjacent to the West Philippines Sea.

Garcia, in an interview on Wednesday, said the move is in line with the provincial government’s goal of promoting a healthy community and safeguarding the environment.

The governor said the program also aims to protect tourists frequenting the beaches against second–hand smoke.

Private and public organizations, beach resort owners, and youth volunteers signed a pledge of commitment to see that the program will be followed.

A report from the Provincial Tourism Office showed that 35 owners of beach resorts in Bagac town attended the launch.

Aside from Bagac, beautiful sandy beaches in the towns of Morong and Mariveles attract visitors.

Nick Ancheta, Bagac municipal administrator, said Mayor Ramil del Rosario and beach resort owners in the town are fully supporting the program.

The provincial government has yet to give details on the full implementation of the program. (PNA)