Baguio City officials reaffirmed their commitment to rigorously implement the city’s anti-smoking campaign, emphasizing that compliance with the smoke-free ordinance is both a legal and moral obligation. Dr. Donnabel Tubera-Panes, City Tobacco Control Program coordinator, stressed that “fines must be high enough to hurt” and that enforcement “must be felt.”
Under the ordinance, business establishments must secure local government authorization to provide designated smoking areas. Violators risk suspension or revocation of business permits, with fewer than 10 establishments currently authorized to have smoking areas.
Panes highlighted the importance of continuous monitoring, evaluation, research, and community engagement to ensure compliance becomes self-sustaining and to guard against tobacco industry interference. The ordinance also covers vaping and applies to residents, tourists, and visitors alike.
Tourism stakeholders, including hotels, restaurants, and parks, are part of the city’s information campaign. Aileen Refuerzo, Baguio’s chief information officer, noted that the city’s smoke-free policy was featured at the 9th Asia Pacific Smoke-free Meeting in Vietnam, where regional leaders emphasized the role of smoke-free tourism in protecting health, preserving culture, and boosting economies.