BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The Smoke-Free Task Force of the City Health Services Office (CHSO) in Baguio City conducted a Ceremonial Destruction and Disposal of confiscated cigarettes and vapes on February 13, 2026 at Malcolm Square, with the theme “Unwanted 2026: Love Your Lungs, Heart, and Brain”.

The destroyed items were seized from schools, illegal sales, smuggled products, and prohibited use of tobacco and vape products. The event aims to raise awareness among residents and tourists about the city’s firm commitment to protecting the public health and promoting healthy lifestyle by discouraging the use of cigarette and vape products.

Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, City Health Officer, made a call to the people of Baguio to be active and take part in helping to end smokingand vaping in the city. She also reiterated that it is the social responsibility of everyone to avoid smoking and vaping, especially in public places.

In the opening remarks of Mayor Benjamin Magalong, he reminded the public that Baguio is a smoke-free city, and the only place where they are allowed to smoke is in their own residences, and if they smoke at public places in the city, they will face the consequences.

The city officials also emphasized the need to strengthen and intensify the guidelines for the effective implementation of the Smoke-Free Baguio Ordinance.

Councilor Joel Alangsab, the principal author of the ordinance, warned the younger generation, who are the primary target market of cigarettes and vape companies, to be mindful of the harmful health effects of these products.

He added, “ Let us continue to make Baguio a smoke-free, vape-free, and tobacco-free City.

The confiscated items, with an estimated total value of 5 million pesos, were collected from August 2024 up to the day of the ceremonial destruction. (By Jirah Garing)