The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: The study aims to characterize the local government units in the Philippines as to anti-tobacco resolutions and ordinances developed at the city, municipal and provincial levels.

Methods: From 2003 to 2005, the Department of Health conducted a survey through questionnaire, review of records and on-site visits of all 16 regions of the country.

Results: A total of 58 provinces, 103 cities and 1,188 municipalities participated in the survey, comprising 73% of the provinces, 90% of the cities and 79% of the municipalities. Of the 450 resolutions and ordinances developed nationwide, the top 3 regions are Region III (Central Luzon), Region I (Ilocos Region) and Region VII (Central Visayas). Region IV (Southern Tagalog) has the most number of provincial issuances. Cordillera Autonomous Region topped the list of regions with city issuances. The National Capital Region has the most number of municipal issuances. 38% of the provinces, 23% of the municipalities and 45% of the cities nationwide have anti-tobacco issuances. Majority of the issuances contain demand reduction provisions and some contain supply reduction provisions. 74% contain provisions on protection from exposure to tobacco smoke and 24% contain provisions on sales to and by minors. 2% contain provisions on education, communication, training and public awareness.

With 1 issuance per 3 provinces, 2 cities and 6 municipalities nationwide, the DOH needs to strengthen advocacy on the development and implementation of anti-tobacco legislation at the provincial, city and municipal levels. Intensive campaign should be done in the priority regions of XII, CAR and ARMM.