Baguio mayor orders strict enforcement of anti-smoking laws

By Gaby B. Keith

BAGUIO CITY-- Mayor Benjamin Magalong ordered strict enforcement of the city’s anti-smoking and vaping ordinance saying he will not hesitate in apprehending persons or closing down establishments found violating its provisions.
    During Monday's flag-raising rites, the mayor said that the only place where smoking is allowed is inside their own homes or designated smoking areas inspected and approved by the City Health Services Office.
    He said under the Smoke-Free Baguio Ordinance, even the distribution and promotion of tobacco and vape products are not allowed.
    The strict enforcement of the measure is in line with Baguio's aspiration to be a "smoke-free city" and encourages smokers to quit the addictive and deadly habit that not only endangers their health but that of others through second and even third-hand smoke.
    Adapted in 2017 and principally authored by former councilor Joel Alangsab, the ordinance prohibits the use, sale, distribution, and advertisement of cigarettes/e-cigarettes and other tobacco products in certain places and imposes penalties for violations. In 2021, Baguio won the Healthy City award from the World Health Organization and the Alliance for Healthy Cities, an international network that advocates for city dwellers' health, under the Sharing Clean Air category in the Western Pacific Region for its commitment to promoting public compliance with smoke-free laws. Earlier this month, an estimated P1 million worth of e-cigarettes (vape), e-juice, and e-cigarette paraphernalia were confiscated by the Baguio Smoke-Free Task Force composed of the CHSO and Public Order and Safety Division at Tam-awan, Pinsao proper here where the alleged owner was a student.