Nicotine patches were distributed to all 70 heavy smokers in the provincial jail to aid in halting their vice as well as prevent any instances of relapse.

Board Member Irish Louie Arnado, Committee on Health, Sanitation, and Nutrition chairperson, was in attendance to remind inmates of the irreversible consequences brought by smoking.

"Kani na programa makatabang ug dako lalo na sa mga smokers," said Arnado, "…Pinaagi sa paghatag aning atong mga nicotine patch, mahinayhinayan nato ug undang ang atong bisyo."

Retired PMAJ Marcelo A. Mendoza, Provincial Warden Officer-in-Charge, took the initiative to collaborate with Provincial Health Officer II Dr. Arvin Alejandro to solidify the facility’s no smoking status by eradicating the root cause of non-communicable respiratory diseases. Mendoza also assured inmates that they are not alone in this endeavor.

"Kasama niyo kami sa inyong pagbabago," Mendoza said in his closing remarks.

Aside from the anti-smoking orientation, PHO partnered with Dr. Lorna Balais from General Santos City Dentist Clinic, who provided free dental services, such as dental check-up and tooth extraction.

Provincial Health Nurse Lera Jo Duldoco led the Smoking Cessation Orientation, reiterating the ill effects of smoking on the inmates.

According to Duldoco, the PHO and Ronda Probinsya aim to emulate Gov. Rogelio "Ruel" D. Pacquiao’s "instruction and guiding" by prioritizing Sarangan PDLs, considering the Provincial Jail as the "142nd barangay of Sarangani." Duldoco also guaranteed that the Ronda Probinsya Kahimsog Program will effectively hold these "continuous services" and provide "hospitalization assistance" to the inmates.

"Rest assured po under the administration of Gov. Pacquiao, ginatagaan sila ug medications dire sa sulod," explained Duldoco. "Amo gyud gi himay-himay sa Ronda Probinsya Kahimsog Program so lahat po ng health workers natin ay aligned with the new administration."

A PDL, as defined by Republic Act 10575 or The Bureau of Corrections Act of 2013, “refers to a detainee, inmate, or prisoner, or other persons under confinement or custody in any other manner.” The term PDL was adopted by the government in solidarity with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) which used the more neutral phrase to prevent labeling or shaming of people in prison. (Dyulliana Anushkah Toyogon, with Febilyn Arroza/SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)