ILOILO CITY — Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas and Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. have expressed support for a proposed measure that seeks to establish smoke-free and vape-free public spaces nationwide, saying it is vital to protecting public health, especially among the youth.

In a video message released Thursday, Treñas said protecting children and young people from the harmful effects of tobacco smoke and vape aerosols is a shared responsibility of both the government and the public.

She said the proposed measure would strengthen efforts to keep schools, workplaces, parks, and other public spaces free from secondhand smoke and vape emissions.

Treñas also highlighted Iloilo City’s long-standing commitment to tobacco control through sustained anti-smoking campaigns in schools, strict enforcement of smoke-free ordinances, and stronger implementation of public health policies. The city’s efforts earned it the ASEAN Smoke-Free Award Gold in 2024.

“We join the call for a healthier, cleaner, and safer Philippines. Let us work together to build communities where every Filipino can breathe clean air and enjoy a healthier future,” Treñas said.

In a separate video message, Defensor endorsed the appeal of Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa for Congress to pass a nationwide smoke-free and vape-free law.

Defensor said the proposal goes beyond regulating vape products, stressing that its primary goal is to protect public health, particularly among young Filipinos.

He noted that while many local government units have already enacted anti-smoking ordinances, a national law would establish a uniform legal framework and ensure the consistent enforcement of smoke-free and vape-free policies across the country.

“The bill will help safeguard our schools, parks, markets, workplaces, and public spaces from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke and vape aerosols. We respectfully urge Congress to pass the Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Bill for cleaner air, healthier lives, and a brighter tomorrow,” Defensor said.

The proposed legislation seeks to strengthen existing public health measures by expanding protections against exposure to tobacco smoke and vape emissions while promoting healthier communities nationwide.