The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) led the ceremonial endorsement of the localized version of the Index for Tobacco Control Sustainability-Philippines (ITCS-PH) tool to the Department of Health and Department of Interior and Local Government held at its Head Office in Pasig City.
Developed by MMDA through its Smoke Free Project in 2024, the ITCS-PH is a localized tool that identifies the structures, policies, and resources that a local government unit already has in place and thus assesses its progress towards establishing a sustainable tobacco control program.
“MMDA adapted the existing ITCS tool of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) and modified it to fit the local context and nuances of subnational tobacco control.”
MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes noted that the agency adapted the existing ITCS tool of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) and modified it to fit the local context and nuances of subnational tobacco control as implemented by the local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila.
“I would like to thank the DOH and DILG for accepting the localized version of the ITCS-PH tool. Further improvements of the tool, if any, are welcome, and our agency will be pleased to work with you on more innovative strategies for a sustainable environment,” Artes said.
“The ITCS-PH tool is intended to be circulated nationwide for usage of other LGUs to assess their respective tobacco control sustainability level.”
“Additionally, the ITCS-PH tool is intended to be circulated nationwide for usage of other LGUs to assess their respective tobacco control sustainability level,” he added.
Meanwhile, the local government unit of Pasig City was recognized for having a sustainable tobacco control program.
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto received a plaque of recognition for the city’s remarkable achievement.
Representatives from NCR LGUs, Vital Strategies, Health Justice Philippines, Innovations for Community Health, Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance, and Transcending Institutions & Communities, Inc. witnessed the successful ceremonial endorsement.
