Baguio: The city government, through the Health Services Office and the Smoke Free Task Force, continues to increase the number of enforcers of the 'smoke-free' ordinance to ensure full compliance.
According to Philippines News Agency, Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, the city health officer, stated in an interview that they are conducting continuous orientations in the city's barangays. These sessions aim to train officials and volunteers on the proper issuance of citation tickets. Random inspections remain active, with at least two night inspections per month and surprise checks to ensure compliance. The ongoing orientation and accreditation of enforcers aim to extend the ordinance's reach beyond the central business district to all 128 barangays.
Initially, the police and personnel from the city's Public Order and Safety Division enforced the ordinance only in the central business district. However, in 2024, the city began accrediting additional enforcers to expand its implementation. Enforcement efforts have been significant, with over 1,000 individuals and establishments apprehended in 2025. The anti-smoking ordinance prohibits smoking and vaping in public places, including outdoor spaces. It also bans selling cigarettes per stick and to minors, as well as near schools, churches, and government offices.
Data from 2024 indicates that the city approved 20 designated smoking areas, with 16 establishments renewing their permits in 2026. Applications for smoking areas undergo careful review, with approvals or denials based on strict qualifications. The ordinance mandates that approved smoking areas must be at least 20 meters from the nearest ingress of a structure and should not have a roof, making it challenging to find suitable locations due to limited land space in the city. This difficulty is intentional, aiming to discourage smoking and vaping by making it harder for individuals to find places to engage in these activities, thereby encouraging them to quit.
The task force continues its Information Education Campaigns, distributing materials and providing reminders during barangay lectures and public gatherings. School activities also serve as platforms for the information campaign. Previous reports indicated that some students were caught possessing vape gadgets and supplies in schools, prompting the city government to enhance bag checks and enforcement measures in educational institutions.
