Baguio City Anti-Smoking Policies Recognition Details

Despite challenges with local enforcement, the city’s 2017 ordinance continues to push for a smoke-free environment.

Baguio City’s sustained crackdown on smoking and vaping in public spaces has earned it recognition from the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the region’s leading examples in tobacco control.

The city was one of five in the Western Pacific Region named in the 2026 World No Tobacco Day Award, an initiative by the WHO that highlights local efforts in building smoke-free environments in line with World No Tobacco Day on May 31.

Baguio was cited for “advancing tobacco control at the local level” through its anti-smoking and anti-vaping measures.

“Through consistent enforcement, public education, and partnerships with civil society and academic institutions, Baguio has reinforced smoke-free norms and increased awareness of the harms of tobacco and emerging nicotine products,” the WHO Western Pacific Region office said in a post on May 29.

The recognition builds on the city’s Smoke-Free Baguio Ordinance, passed in May 2017, which bans the use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes in public areas, prohibits the sale of tobacco products, and disallows indoor smoking areas in public spaces.

Local authorities have since stepped up enforcement efforts, including deploying additional personnel to monitor compliance across public areas. However, on the ground, challenges remain, with some individuals still openly smoking in public spaces with little apparent fear of consequence.