DepEd bars cigarette selling within 100 meters of schools

To discourage students from smoking, the Department of Education (DepEd) will bar the selling of cigarettes inside and around schools. The DepEd said it will not allow the selling of cigarettes within 100 meters of the school premises or about the length of three basketball courts. Radio dzBB's Glen Juego said tarpaulin banners will be displayed in schools with the message: "Balik Eskwela: Huwag magyosi, huwag kadiri." The DepEd's move aims to prevent students, especially those in high school, from developing the smoking habit. The DepEd issued the announcement hours after the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority launched a drive against smoking in public places on Monday. Under the MMDA's program, smokers in public places face a fine of P500 or eight hours of community service. - VVP, GMA News