Iloilo city: Iloilo City shared best practices on its anti-smoking campaign in a recent conference in Bangkok, Thailand. The event, titled 'Strengthening Smoke-free Cities in Thailand: Learning from Philippines' Success,' took place on December 1-2 and served as a platform for local chief executives, law enforcement officers, and smoke-free coordinators of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to gain insights into effective smoke-free legislation from Iloilo City.
According to Philippines News Agency, Councilor Alan Zaldivar, chair of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) Committee on Health, attended the conference alongside Task Force Anti-Smoking Executive Director I±igo Garingalao. They were invited by the Action on Smoking and Health Foundation Thailand to discuss legislative strategies and the detailed implementation of smoke-free policies. Zaldivar highlighted that Iloilo City adopted a consultative approach by engaging stakeholders and incorporating the anti-smoking agenda into city council approvals.
The city's anti-smoking ordinance includes stringent penalties, such as revoking permits and shutting down establishments that fail to comply. Additionally, the youth are encouraged to become advocates against smoking and vaping. 'I told them we have a partnership with our local media because we cannot reach the 180 barangays. So, we tap our media partners to disseminate information and educate our people,' Zaldivar shared.
He emphasized the importance of exchanging lessons and fostering cooperation within the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) group, noting that the primary challenge lies in law enforcement at both national and local levels. Meanwhile, Garingalao explained that Bangkok's initiative to host the conference was part of its effort to maintain its status after receiving the Healthy Cities Award from the World Health Organization, despite the prevalence of smoking in its streets.
Garingalao expressed his hopes for Iloilo City's barangay leaders to actively support the advocacy and enforce the ordinances, highlighting the critical health impacts of smoking on future generations.
