WITH over 7,000 violators fined from Jan. 1 to Aug. 15 this year alone, Iloilo City’s anti-smoking ordinance – being enforced by the Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Task Force (ICAST) and the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) – is sending a strong message that smoking in public places and conveyances will not be tolerated.
These efforts have not gone unnoticed, as the city consistently maintains a rigorous approach to enforcing Regulation Ordinance 2014-527, which extends its prohibition beyond cigarettes to include vaping. This stance is in alignment with the broader national campaign against vaping, even preceding then President Rodrigo Duterte’s nationwide ban on vaping devices and e-cigarettes a few years back.
The figures speak for themselves: 868 vape users and a whopping 6,410 cigarette smokers have faced penalties for their violation of the ordinance. These violators, spanning a wide age range from 18 to 60 years old, were held accountable for their actions.
The monthly breakdown of apprehensions reveals the intensity of the effort to reduce smoking-related offenses, and it’s clear that the city means business. The consistent numbers over these months demonstrate the persistence of both ICAST and ICPO in ensuring that the city remains smoke-free.
ICAST chief Iñigo Garingalao’s statement that the campaign involves not just enforcement but also education is a crucial insight. It acknowledges the multifaceted nature of the issue and recognizes that merely apprehending smokers is not enough. The battle against smoking requires a holistic approach, with medical experts and educators playing a pivotal role in spreading awareness about the health risks associated with smoking.
The installation of signage outside schools and barangays to discourage youth from smoking is a proactive measure that deserves praise. Preventing the younger generation from picking up the habit is a cornerstone of any successful anti-smoking campaign.
Iloilo City’s Regulation Ordinance lays out clear penalties for violations, with fines and potential imprisonment for individuals and businesses that flout the anti-smoking rules. Such strict measures send a clear signal that the city prioritizes the well-being of its residents over the profits of tobacco companies. This campaign should inspire reflection on the broader implications of smoking in our society and prompt other local governments to follow suit in the battle for healthier, smoke-free communities.
