Muntinlupa smoke-free policy lauded
Under the local ordinance, the use and distribution of cigarette and tobacco products are prohibited in the city
The Muntinlupa City local government garnered a high rating for its effective citywide anti-smoking policy.
This is based on a recent study, conducted by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and University of the Philippines-College of Mass Communication Foundation Inc. (UPCMCFI), on the compliance level of cities in the National Capital Region in implementing smoke-free policies.
Muntinlupa city garnered a high rating, receiving a ‘Very Satisfactory’ remark.
The results of the survey were presented to members of the Muntinlupa City Smoke-Free Task Force last 16 October during a virtual meeting with Metro Manila local executives.
The city earned a “Very Satisfactory” rating with a compliance rate of 74.1 percent in the Smoke-Free Policy Compliance Study among Metro Manila cities conducted from December 2019 to February 2020.
Because of this, the MMDA and UPCMCFI lauded the city’s strong commitment in promoting a healthy environment through the regulation of tobacco products.
Local government units were assessed using four compliance metrics, namely advertising and promotions, enforcement, selling and smoking behavior in three observation venues, including schools (within a 100-meter vicinity), transportation terminals and moving public utility vehicles.
Among the compliance metrics, Muntinlupa City earned the highest rating on advertising and promotions with 99.1 percent and smoking behavior with 79.4 percent.
Mayor Jaime Fresnedi expressed his gratitude to MMDA and UPCMCFI for the recognition and vowed to continue his advocacy toward a smoke-free city, especially amid the pandemic.
The city is a pioneer in enacting a Comprehensive Smoke Free Ordinance through City Ordinance 17-072, following President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order 26, known as the Nationwide Smoking Ban. Under the local ordinance, the use and distribution of cigarette and tobacco products are prohibited in the city.
Since its implementation in 2017, the Department of Health has conferred the Red Orchid Award to Muntinlupa City for two consecutive years (2018-2019) in recognition of its outstanding initiatives against tobacco use.