ACCORDING TO a memorandum released last October 23 from the Vice President for Administration Nemesio S. Que, SJ, it is “deemed necessary to declare a total ban on smoking in all Ateneo de Manila University properties” effective November 15.

The ban includes the Loyola Heights campus, the Ateneo Professional Schools in Rockwell and the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health in Ortigas.

The no smoking policy in the university was issued back in 2009.

The earlier policy complied with the provisions of Republic Act 9211, otherwise known as the “Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003,” which prohibits smoking in areas such as elementary schools, high schools, colleges and universities.

Despite the 2009 policy, the school continued to have smoking pocket gardens or “smockets.” Que said that the policy was thoroughly reviewed prior to the ban.

The decision to ban smoking was meant “to further the University’s commitment to provide a healthy and sustainable learning and working environment for all members of the community,” according to the memo.

Students react

Sophomore Lauren Ong does not support the ban, stating that students find pleasure in smoking.

“It’s our happy place,” she said. “People go to the smocket to unwind and socialize.”

Ong added that since the smockets are located in far places such as the North carpark, they are “not hurting anyone.”

Meanwhile freshman Maxi Tomelden believes that despite this, non-smokers still pass by these areas.

“I don’t mind the decision because it’s in the interest of those who do not choose to be surrounded by smoke, but are nevertheless affected,” he said.

“If smockets were to return, at the very least have them isolated properly where others won’t be affected,” Tomelden added.