TESDA now a no-smoking zone

Based on the three-page TESDA Circular Number 06 series of 2017 signed by Director General Guiling Gene Mamondiong, all officials, employees, students and even visitors are not allowed to smoke in TESDA premises nationwide. (Photo: Ken Hawkins/ Flickr)

MANILA –The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on Sunday said that smoking in its Taguig City office and branches nationwide — including in training institutions –will no longer be allowed based on the new directive of the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

Based on the three-page TESDA Circular Number 06 series of 2017 signed by Director General Guiling Gene Mamondiong, all officials, employees, students and even visitors are not allowed to smoke in TESDA premises nationwide.

“The implementation of these guidelines shall cover officials and rank-and-file employees of the central, regional, provincial offices and the TESDA Training Institutions (RTC/PTRC and the schools) holding plantilla positions, including personnel on Job Order basis. Visitors and guests shall likewise be covered by this policy,” according to the TESDA Circular.

However, the TESDA Circular stated that it will designate a smoking area for the employees and visitors.

Smoking areas will be assigned in the central office in Taguig City, in the left part of TESDA’s Old Dormitory near the multi-covered court, in the NCR garage in Gate 2, PEVOTI quadrangle and near the Building 12.

Cafeterias are also banned from selling cigars. Those who will be caught smoking will be penalized.

Smoking while driving around the TESDA compound in private vehicles is also prohibited, especially when the person is on official business.

The Human Resource Management Division-Administrative Services (HRMD-AS), General Services Division-Administrative Services (GSD-AS) and the Financial and Administrative Services Division (FASD) of TESDA have been directed to enforce the new directive, the agency said.