Anti-Spitting Ordinance of Davao City
“No person or persons shall carelessly or intentionally spit saliva, phlegm, mucus, or other substances from the mouth in the city streets, alleys, sidewalks, parks, malls, markets, streets, public carriers, public halls, and buildings, banks, public squares, terminals, shopping and business centers, schools, churches, hospital, and other similar public places within the City of Davao”
Penalties:
1st Offense at P100
2nd Offense at P200
3rd Offense at P300 and/or imprisonment of not more than six (6) months. (Source)
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The said Davao City ordinance has been implemented since 2010. It is is an important ordinance to help stop the spread of tuberculosis (TB), a disease with a high mortality rate in the Philippines, and other diseases by not allowing people to spit just anywhere. The bacteria causing TB can survive in a dry state for weeks even possibly up to 8 months. That is alarming, if not scary, so we have to make sure that people should dispose of their phlegm, mucus or saliva, the proper way responsibly so as to STOP spreading bacteria and virus causing diseases.
Common sense should tell us that this is not only really applicable to public places. Even in our own homes, apartments, boarding houses, residential compounds, condominium, communities, basically ANYWHERE. YES you read that right ANYWHERE! No one should spit just ANYWHERE.
Save those around you from getting sick. Be kind. Not everyone is as healthy and strong as you are. No one ever wants to get sick. Be a savior, not a spreader of dreaded diseases. Be among the good and responsible people of Davao City!
It is also very important to cover your mouth and nose every single time you sneeze and cough.
FACE MASKS : Use face masks that are available and sold in pharmacies like Mercury Drug, Rose Pharmacy, Med Express, Amesco, and others. Even 7-11 has face masks sold. It only costs P5. Use the mask always for your protection of others when you are sick by having the blue part facing outwards, while white part of the mask facing your mouth to avoid spreading virus into the air when you cough or sneeze. It is for your protection as well if you do not want to get sick by having the white part of the mask facing out and the blue part facing your mouth. The white part is supposed to act as a filter. There are also those who prefer to use washable cloth face masks. You can do so. I am not sure though how protective that will be in terms of catching viruses in the air.
Also important to avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes to avoid getting sick until you are able to wash your hands properly with soap and water. Just 5 steps:
Take care! Be well! Pray always! Enjoy your day in Davao City!