BAGUIO CITY — Showing its determination to keep the city free from unwanted smoke, the City Government of Baguio, through the Smoke-Free Task Force and the Public Order and Safety Division (POSD), conducted a ceremonial destruction and disposal of confiscated tobacco and vape products on the morning of 13 February 2026 at Malcolm Square, Baguio City.

The confiscated items, valued at approximately P5 million, were seized during enforcement operations conducted from August 2025 to the present. The destruction is part of the city’s ongoing effort to eliminate the sale and distribution of illegal and harmful tobacco-related products within its jurisdiction.

The city's campaign against smoking is rooted in Ordinance Number 34, Series of 2017, also known as the Smoke-Free Baguio Ordinance. The law expanded upon a 2008 policy to align the city with international health standards set by the World Health Organization. It prohibits smoking and vaping in all public places, including parks, government buildings, and public utility vehicles, while also restricting the advertisement and sale of tobacco products near schools.

The current enforcement phase is part of a broader Road to Zero 2028 campaign launched by the local government. The campaign aims to completely eliminate new smokers and vapers in the city over the next few years. To support this goal, the city has deputized hundreds of enforcers, including barangay officials and volunteers, to monitor compliance across various neighborhoods and business districts.

Baguio has gained international recognition for these efforts, receiving awards such as the Global Tobacco Control Champion in 2025. Local health officials continue to pair strict enforcement with public education and cessation programs to reduce the prevalence of smoking-related illnesses among residents and visitors alike.