BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The City Government has once again won an award, the Gold Award from the 2026 ASEAN Smoke-Free Award (ASA), in recognition of its continued efforts to implement strict tobacco control and ban tobacco promotions and promote a smoke-free environment and protect the health of its youth and citizens.

The award was formally announced by the Ministry of Health of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, which serves as the lead country for the ASEAN Smoke-free Awards (ASA) in collaboration with the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA) and the ASEAN Secretariat.

In a letter received by the Smoke-Free Baguio Task Force led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Lao PDR Cabinet of Ministry of Health Director General Dr. Bounxou Keohavong said the award will be presented at the plenary of the 17th ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting and Related Meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on September 10.

Other awardees were George Town, Penang, Malaysia which received the Silver Award, while the Bronze Award went to Depok City, Indonesia; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Thanbyuzayat Township, Mon State, Myanmar; Pasig City, Philippines; and Maha Sarakham, Thailand, while Singapore received the Special Recognition for Smoke-Free Enforcement.

Baguio City was recognized for maintaining its smoke-free campaign through local policies and enforcement programs based on the implementation of City Ordinance No. 34, Series of 2017 or the Smoke-Free Baguio ordinance.

Magalong expressed gratitude for the award which he said gives due recognition to the efforts of various city government offices, barangays, private sectors, and hundreds of volunteers to protect residents and visitors from the harmful effects of tobacco smoke and achieve a healthier urban environment.

ASA honors ASEAN cities, municipalities, and provinces that successfully implement and maintain smoke-free and vaping-free environments through adherence to tobacco policies, public awareness campaigns, and restrictions on vape and tobacco marketing.

Smoke-Free Baguio was launched in 2022 to promote a healthy and smoke-free environment and reduce tobacco-related harm throughout the city.