September 18, 2026 – The Municipal Goveronemnt of Itogon held the 3rd quarterly meeting of the Smoke/Vape-Free Task Force at Balingway Hall, with Municipal Legal Officer Atty. Jaqueline Nabaysa-Gosingan presiding over the session on Wednesday, September 16.
The meeting was attended by members of the Committee on Health, barangay representatives, and representatives from various municipal departments.
Itogon Nurse and Smoke-Free Itogon Focal Person Ida Jances P. Ciriaco discussed the six MPOWER effective tobacco control strategies, including restrictions on the sale of tobacco products. She also discussed the health risks associated with secondhand smoke and noted that there is no safe level of exposure to it.
Ciriaco further explained that smoking is an addiction caused by nicotine and discussed measures that may be adopted and implemented to strengthen a 100 percent smoke-free environment. These include enforcing existing smoke-free regulations, ensuring that at least one-third of cigarette packaging carries pictorial health warnings, prohibiting cigarette advertisements, and complying with the applicable business tax on the sale of cigarettes, currently set at Php 800.00.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Government recommended additional legal provisions for possible inclusion or amendment to the municipality’s existing smoke-free ordinance. The proposed amendments remain under review and discussion.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for barangay representatives to raise concerns and recommendations regarding the implementation of smoke-free ordinances in their respective areas. Atty. Gosingan likewise recommended reiterating and strengthening awareness of the existing smoke-free-related ordinances to support their proper implementation throughout the municipality. // Capsula, Padcayan; GIP
