San Fernando ramps up enforcement of decade-old smoke-free ordinance

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — The local government here is intensifying the implementation of City Ordinance No. 2014-007, with surprise inspections and information drives targeting public spaces where smoking and vaping remain prevalent.

Over the weekend, teams from the City Public Order and Safety Coordinating Office and the City Health Office conducted operations in the Poblacion area, confiscating illegally used or sold tobacco products and e-cigarettes in violation of the measure.

The ordinance prohibits smoking and vaping in all public buildings, offices, and public transportation — including jeepneys, buses, and tricycles. It also bars the sale and advertising of such products within 100 meters of schools, playgrounds, health facilities, churches, and youth-focused areas.

Violators face fines of up to P2,500, along with possible community service or imprisonment. Establishments found violating the rules may be fined up to P5,000, and their operators jailed for up to one year.

Mayor Vilma Caluag said the crackdown aims to safeguard public health, particularly for children and non-smokers. “We will not hesitate to apprehend those who disregard the law,” she said.

Many Pampanga residents have welcomed the stricter enforcement, with some from neighboring municipalities expressing hope that similar policies could be adopted in their areas to promote healthier communities.

“Sana gawin sa buong Pampanga,” said Mary Manansala, a resident of Guagua town. (“I hope this is done across the whole of Pampanga.”)

“Kailan kaya magagawa sa amin ’yan?” asked Nelda, another netizen. (“When will that be implemented in our area?”)

In an interview, Marlon Santos, a resident of Mexico town, voiced strong support for a province-wide vaping ban, emphasizing that the practice poses serious health risks and has spread rapidly across the area.

“Umaasa akong maipagbabawal na talaga ang vaping sa buong Pampanga. Hindi din kasi maganda ito. May mga taong kilala ako na namatay dahil dito,” he added. (“I hope vaping will truly be banned across Pampanga. It is really not good. I know people who have died because of it.”)