In observance of World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) on May 30, 2008, the City of Manila will strictly enforce its anti smoking ordinance or City Ordinance No. 7784 of 1990 and modified in May 1991.

This was announced by Chief of Staff Ricardo de Guzman, who also chairs the Manila Anti Smoking Task Force, which has lined up several activities for the World No Tobacco Day observance.

Beginning at 3:30 a.m. there will be a star gazing with 10 astronomers setting up their telescope for star gazing free for everyone. Set-up time is at 12 midnight at the Cultural Center grounds.

This will be followed by an Alay Lakad laban sa sigarilyo from CCP and Luneta Park to Rajah Sulayman fronting the Malate Church between Remedios and San Andres streets along Roxas Boulevard .

The program proper will begin with the national anthem to be played by the Manila Band and a welcome address by Health Secretary Duque and a commitment signing by government organizations and partner agencies. Next is the slogan poster making contest to be followed by awarding of winners.

City Ordinance 448 prohibits smoking in bars, restaurants, cocktail lounges and other enclosed public eating places; dance halls, night clubs, restaurants and other public places offering facilities for dining and dancing; public theaters or motion picture houses or other auditoria during showing or intermission therein or in any projection booth or enclosure or room in a public place in which any motion picture machine is being operated except in lobbies, comfort rooms and smoking section outside the screening room or hall; places for storage or carriers of flammable liquids, explosives and combustible materials; factories and plants; inside elevators; passenger buses and jeepneys or any other public conveyances; inside bazaars, department stores, markets, supermarkets, furniture shops, pet shops, barber shops, beauty parlors, books and magazine shops, textile, grocery stores, warehouses, bodegas, storerooms, stockrooms and other similar establishments; inside classrooms or within premises of all schools; inside public and private hospitals, medical, dental and optical clinics, inside enclosed public places wherein more than 2 people congregate such as session halls, auditoriums and offices.

De Guzman said the city ordinance imposes stricter penalties for violators such as fine of not more than P300 or imprisonment of not more than 2 days or both.

Manila City Hall has formally opened the nominations for the Search for 15 Outstanding Citizens who will be awarded during the Araw Ng Maynila on June 24, 2008 . The deadline for submission of nominations is on May 14 (next Wednesday).

The search committee, chaired by Atty. Rafaelito Garayblas, secretary to Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, said the search is aimed at giving due recognition to the contributions made by outstanding citizens which have led to further development of the city.

Garayblas said that annual search for 15 Outstanding Manilans is City Hall's way of viging due recognition to their exemplary accomplishments with the hope that they will be emulated by others. It is also City Hall's way of extending appreciation for the things they have done for the city and the country as a whole.

Based on the award guidelines and mechanics, nomination for the Outstanding Manilans for 2008 may be any person or group contributions in the following categories: education; engineering and construction; entrepreneurial leadership, finance, historical and cultural advocacy, humanitarian service, journalism, law, medicine, movie and television arts, government service, science and technology, spiritual leadership, sports and statesmanship.