PSA launches tobacco survey across Western Visayas

ILOILO CITY — The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Region 6 has begun a regionwide survey covering 3,264 sample housing units in Western Visayas to assess tobacco use, smoking habits, and exposure to secondhand smoke among Filipinos aged 15 and older.

The 2026 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), conducted in collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH), runs from Oct. 26 to Nov. 18, 2026.

The survey forms part of a nationwide data collection effort covering approximately 51,000 sample households to provide updated information on tobacco consumption and the effectiveness of government tobacco control programs.

According to PSA Region 6, the 2026 GATS is the fourth round of the survey, following earlier rounds conducted in 2009, 2015, and 2021.

The internationally standardized survey monitors smoking and smokeless tobacco use, smoking cessation, exposure to secondhand smoke, and the impact of tobacco control and prevention initiatives.

It aims to generate reliable estimates of tobacco use and related indicators at the national and regional levels, as well as for selected highly urbanized and component cities.

Data collection involves face-to-face interviews with eligible household members aged 15 and older using a computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) system.

The digital interviewing method allows authorized statistical researchers to record survey responses electronically during household visits.

The survey seeks to provide policymakers and public health officials with updated information on tobacco consumption patterns and the effectiveness of measures intended to reduce smoking-related health risks.

Results from previous GATS rounds showed a decline in tobacco use among Filipino adults.

According to the 2021 survey, 19.5 percent of Filipinos aged 15 and older, or approximately 15.1 million people, were current tobacco users.

This was lower than the 23.8 percent recorded in 2015 and 29.7 percent in 2009.

The 2021 survey also found that 21.8 percent of adults were exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke inside their homes, underscoring the continuing public health concerns associated with tobacco use.

The 2026 survey will help determine whether these trends have continued and provide evidence for evaluating tobacco prevention and cessation policies.

The PSA earlier announced that the nationwide survey has an estimated budget of PHP 73 million, with results expected to be released between September and October 2027.

In its Oct. 26 advisory, signed by Regional Director Nelida C. Amolar, PSA Region 6 encouraged selected households to cooperate with authorized statistical researchers and provide accurate information during interviews.

The agency assured respondents that all information collected would be treated with strict confidentiality and used solely for statistical purposes in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

The PSA emphasized that reliable and updated tobacco statistics are essential for evidence-based policymaking and informed public health decisions.

For inquiries about the survey, the public may contact PSA Region 6 at (033) 335-0907 or rsso06@psa.gov.ph.