BY MARINA O VILLEGAS/CMU Intern
THE LOCAL government is intensifying enforcement of the Anti-Smoking Ordinance to further protect the youth from picking up the deadly habit.
During the iSpeak forum on Thursday, June 18, Jalyn D. Pareja, Vice Regulations Unit (VRU) focal person and smoking cessation counselor, said the youth continue to be vulnerable to cigarettes and vapes.
For instance, based on government data, the most common violators of vape-related violations belonged to the 16-18 age group. Meanwhile, the city handed out more than 2,000 citation tickets to violators in the first three months of 2026.
The Anti-Smoking Ordinance covers cigarettes, tobacco, vapes, smokeless cigarettes, and other nicotine products. Sanctions include fines ranging from P1,000 to P5,000 and even possible imprisonment for repeat violators.
The VRU coordinated with the City Health Office to conduct public awareness and free counseling for smokers who wish to reduce their nicotine consumption. They also hold lectures held in barangays and symposiums in schools discussing the harmful effects and strategies to abstain from smoking.
Youth organizations and barangay communities are also mobilized to educate peers to expand their knowledge about the risks of smoking.
She said they closely monitor community stores, especially those located within a 100-meter radius of a school. Store owners found selling to minors will face a penalty of P5,000.
Minors caught smoking or vaping are referred to the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD), while schools notify the parents to ensure proper intervention and counseling.
Pareja stated that the barangays will continue to have their lectures, while the youth organization will have a meeting by next week to coordinate with the anti-smoking efforts.
“The Anti-Smoking Ordinance will be revised, especially among our minors, to further strengthen its implementation,” Pareja said.
