Iloilo City wins ASEAN Smoke-Free Gold Award

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Iloilo City received the Gold Award from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Smoke-Free Award, recognizing its steadfast commitment to fostering a smoke-free environment.

The announcement was made by the city government on July 30.

“This is a testament to our continued efforts in implementing our anti-smoking initiatives. I am very thankful for the support and cooperation of the Ilonggos,” expressed Mayor Jerry Treñas in a social media post.

In a separate statement, Treñas commended the team led by Iñigo D. Garingalao, Executive Director of the Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Task Force (ICAST), for their dedication and hard work.

Garingalao, who is also the city agriculturist, highlighted that the recognition is a milestone, not an endpoint.

“Achieving a smoke-free city is a journey; it doesn’t rest on just one person. These awards show that we are heading in the right direction. The Iloilo City we are enjoying today must be appreciated and is a fight we must continue,” he said.

Iloilo City’s anti-smoking efforts include the strict enforcement of Regulation Ordinance No. 2021-255 (The Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance), which bans smoking and vaping in public places, including heritage sites.

Data from ICAST shows that 3,507 violators were apprehended from January to June 2024.

Additionally, ICAST runs the Kids’ Smoke-Free Storytelling Program to educate the youth about the dangers of smoking, reaffirming the city’s stance against tobacco advertisements, promotions, and sponsorships.

The city has also previously earned the “World No Tobacco Day Award” from the World Health Organization, hosted several Smoke-Free ASEAN Regional Workshops, and achieved Red Orchid Award Hall of Famer status from the Department of Health.

It has provided technical assistance for anti-smoking initiatives to various local government units (LGUs) and government institutions both domestically and internationally.

“Our way forward now is to prepare for emerging nicotine products and enhance ordinances to address the surge in vaping, thereby protecting the health of the Ilonggos. As a regional hub, Iloilo City should play the role of a leader in influencing neighboring LGUs,” Garingalao added.

The ASEAN Smoke-Free Award, initiated by the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA), is presented to LGUs in the Western Pacific Region that exhibit a consistent and robust response to tobacco control through enforcement and awareness advocacy.

Iloilo City was the sole nominee from the Philippines, endorsed by the Smoke-Free Cities Asia Pacific Network (SCAN) Philippines and the Department of Health.

“It is my honor to inform you that Iloilo City has been selected as one of the distinguished recipients of the ASEAN Smoke-Free Award. This remarkable achievement is a testament to your leadership and the collective efforts of your community in promoting a healthier environment,” wrote Dr. Domilyn C. Villareiz, SEATCA program manager, to Mayor Jerry P. Treñas.

The award ceremony will be held during the ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting in Vientiane, Laos, on August 8, 2024, where the mayor may share Iloilo City’s best practices.