The Smoke-Free Task Force Meeting was held today, March 23, 2026, at the Municipal Hall of Itogon. It was presided over by the representative of Mayor Bernard S. Waclin, Councilor Albert C. Carantes Jr., Chairperson of the Committee on Health. The meeting was attended by Committee on Health officers, barangay officials, representatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Education (DepEd), as well as members of the Sangguniang Bayan (SB).
Itogon Nurse and Smoke-Free Itogon Focal Person Ida Jances P. Ciriaco presented the municipality’s 2025 accomplishments and smoke-free campaign activities. She highlighted the implementation of the Itogon Smoke-Free Ordinance, the capacitation of health staff and volunteers, the Operation Baklas initiative to remove cigarette advertisements, and the World No Tobacco Day celebration, which featured a fun run and the “Contain That Butt” campaign.
Ciriaco also shared the declaration of Mt. Ulap, Mt. Pigingan, and Mt. Ugo as smoke-free tourist areas, in coordination with Municipal Tourism Officer Ferdinand S. Sapalong, underscoring the municipality’s continuing efforts to promote public health and responsible tourism.
The Smoke-Free Task Force members also reviewed the list of establishments granted permits to sell tobacco and cigarettes to ensure compliance with local regulations, including restrictions on the sale of tobacco products near learning institutions.
Ray-ann Bakidol of Transcending Institutions NGO for Smoke-Free CAR discussed regional smoke-free initiatives in the Cordillera Administrative Region, emphasizing their importance in protecting public health, promoting responsible tourism, and ensuring compliance with local ordinances.
The meeting further served as a venue to raise and discuss issues related to the implementation of the Smoke/Vape-Free Ordinance, allowing participants to share concerns and suggest improvements, while also beginning the planning of upcoming smoke-and vape-free activities to strengthen awareness and enforcement across the municipality.
[Content and photos by by PIO interns: Charmaine Capsula, Nicolle Joy Delmas, Rhyza Joie Tomas; BSU BA COMM]
