ILOILO CITY – Iloilo City is set to receive the first ASEAN Smoke-free Award (ASA) at the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations health ministers meeting on August 8 in Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic. This award marks a significant achievement for the city as it stands as the only Philippine local government unit to earn this prestigious recognition for its sustained efforts in tobacco control.
According to Philippines News Agency, Executive Director of the Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Task Force (ICAST), the award from the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA) honors local government units that have shown exemplary compliance in enforcing and advocating tobacco control. This includes standing against tobacco promotions, sponsorships, and protecting the youth amidst various challenges. "This recognition validates our continuous efforts since the city's anti-smoking ordinance was first enacted in 2006," Garingalao explained in a Wednesday interview.
The decision to award Iloilo City followed a rigorous validation of its tobacco control initiatives that began in April this year, with other nominees from Indonesia, Thailand, Lao PDR, and Myanmar. Garingalao, who will receive the award on behalf of Mayor Jerry Treñas, will also participate in a town hall discussion to share the city’s successful strategies in tobacco control at the event.
Garingalao added that SEATCA plans to promote Iloilo City as a leading model for other cities aiming to achieve smoke-free environments. Iloilo City's influential campaign includes training modules used by NGOs interested in adopting similar anti-smoking initiatives. The city, also a Red Orchid Awardee, hosted the launching of the Global Alliance for Smoke-free Tourism of SEATCA earlier this year, further cementing its role as a leader in tobacco control on the international stage.