3 July 2026
By Perla Lena – Philippine News Agency
ILOILO CITY – The Iloilo city and provincial governments have expressed support for proposed legislation that would create a smoke-free and vape-free environment nationwide.
In a video message Thursday, Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas said protecting public health, particularly that of children and young people, is a shared responsibility.
She said the proposed measure would help keep schools, workplaces, parks and other public spaces free from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke and vape aerosols.
Treñas said Iloilo City has sustained anti-smoking awareness campaigns across all educational levels, consistently enforced its smoke-free ordinances and strengthened their implementation. The city received the ASEAN Smoke-free Award Gold in 2024.
“We join the call for a healthier, cleaner and safer Philippines. Let us work together to create communities where every Filipino can breathe clean air and enjoy a healthier future,” she said.
In a separate video message, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. backed the call of Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa for Congress to pass legislation banning vape products nationwide.
Defensor said the proposal is about protecting public health, especially that of the youth, rather than simply regulating vape products.
He noted that Magalong has stressed the need for a national law to ensure uniform implementation of smoke-free and vape-free policies, despite the gains made by local governments.
“The bill will help safeguard our schools, parks, markets, workplaces and public places from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke and vape aerosols. We humbly ask Congress to pass the Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Bill for cleaner air, healthier lives and a brighter tomorrow,” Defensor said. (PNA)