The Department of Health (DOH) congratulated Iloilo City for winning the prestigious Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Smoke-Free Award (ASA).
The ASEAN Smoke-Free Award is initiated by the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA) to recognize cities, municipalities, provinces, and states across the ASEAN region that demonstrate exemplary commitment to implementing and maintaining smoke-free environments.
Out of the five exceptional nominees, which include Bogor City in Indonesia; Saensuk Municipality in Thailand; Bagan in Myanmar; and Luang Prabang in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR), Iloilo City, Philippines has been awarded the sole Gold Award.
This recognition underscores Iloilo City’s exemplary smoke-free and vape-free policies, which have been acclaimed for their effectiveness and significant impact on public health.
“This achievement is a testament to the city’s unwavering dedication to promote public health through innovative and effective tobacco control measures.”
“This achievement is a testament to the city’s unwavering dedication to promote public health through innovative and effective tobacco control measures. Iloilo City’s success inspires – not just in the Philippines, but across the ASEAN!” Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said.
Iloilo City stood out for its comprehensive approach to tobacco control, marked by the establishment of a functional smoke-free task force, close collaboration with governmental and non-governmental organizations, and the provision of smoking cessation services.
These efforts are supported by local officials of Iloilo City, along with the legislative bodies, the City Health Office (CHO), and the Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Task Force (ICAST).
“I commend Iloilo City, headed by Mayor Jerry Treñas, its CHO, and the entire community for their collective efforts in creating a healthier, smoke-free environment.”
“I commend Iloilo City, headed by Mayor Jerry Treñas, its CHO, and the entire community for their collective efforts in creating a healthier, smoke-free environment. The DOH fully supports and encourages such initiatives as we continue to work towards a smoke-free future on our journey to a Bagong Pilipinas kung saan Bawat Buhay Mahalaga,” Herbosa stressed.
Iloilo City serves as a valuable example for other Local Government Units (LGUs) in the Philippines in tobacco control.
The city provides technical input and training to its barangays through initiatives like the Smoke-Free Enforcers training and the Kids Smoke-free Storytelling (KISS) program.
The positive impact of these initiatives is evident in the community’s support and appreciation. In 2020 alone, 2,106 individuals were provided Brief Tobacco Intervention, and at least 958 individuals have successfully quit smoking.
The city’s policies are self-sustaining through penalties collected from violators, and continuous support from community partners such as the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The DOH, on its end, supports Iloilo City and the whole Iloilo province through the provision of technical assistance in the implementation of the Smoke and Vape-Free Communities in the New Normal Playbook.
