EFFECTIVENESS OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 26 IN MALINTA VALENZUELA CITY

Abstract

Executive Order No. 26, signed on May 16, 2017, mandates the The establishment of smoke-free environments in public and enclosed places throughout the Philippines. This nationwide smoking ban aims to protect public health by reducing exposure to tobacco smoke in communal areas. ​  Barangay Malinta, located in Valenzuela City, Metro Manila, has a population of 52,107 as of the 2020 Census, representing 7.29% of the city's total population. Given its urban setting and significant population density, assessing the implementation of EO No. 26 within this barangay is essential. Understanding its effectiveness can provide insights into the practical challenges and successes of enforcing the smoking ban at the community level.​   Statement of the Problem  While EO No. 26 establishes a framework for a smoke-free Philippines, there is limited data on its enforcement and impact within specific barangays, such as Malinta. This research seeks to evaluate:​  The level of awareness and compliance among residents and establishments regarding EO No. 26.​ The challenges faced by local authorities in implementing the smoking ban.​ The perceived effectiveness of the smoking ban in reducing tobacco use in public spaces.​ Objectives of the Study  The primary objectives of this study are to:  Assess the awareness and knowledge of EO No. 26 among residents and business owners in Barangay Malinta.​ Evaluate the compliance rates of public and enclosed spaces with the smoking ban.​ Identify the challenges encountered by Barangay Malinta officials in enforcing the executive order.​ Determine the impact of the smoking ban on public health perceptions and behaviors within the community.​ Significance of the Study  This research holds significance for several stakeholders:​  Local Government Units (LGUs): The findings can inform policy adjustments and enhance enforcement strategies tailored to the unique needs of Barangay Malinta.​ Health Advocates: Insights from the study can aid in developing targeted health promotion campaigns addressing identified gaps in awareness or compliance.​ Residents and Business Owners: Understanding the benefits and responsibilities associated with the smoking ban can foster community support and active participation in maintaining a smoke-free environment.​ Scope and Limitations  This study focuses exclusively on Barangay Malinta, Valenzuela City, providing a localized perspective on the implementation of EO No. 26. Data collection will involve surveys and interviews with residents, business owners, and local officials. While the study aims for comprehensive coverage, it may be limited by factors such as sample size constraints and the availability of participants during data collection periods.​  Definition of Terms  Executive Order No. 26: A presidential directive issued in 2017 establishing smoke-free environments in public and enclosed places throughout the Philippines.​ Barangay Malinta: A barangay (neighborhood) in Valenzuela City, Metro Manila, selected as the study area for evaluating the smoking ban's implementation.​ Smoking Ban: The prohibition of tobacco smoking in designated public and enclosed spaces as mandated by EO No. 26.​ Compliance: Adherence to the regulations set forth in EO No. 26 by individuals and establishments within the barangay.​ By systematically examining these aspects, the study aims to contribute valuable insights into the localized effects of the nationwide smoking ban, offering a model that other barangays might emulate. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, to assess the perceptions and compliance levels of 50 police officers and 20 barangay officials in enforcing a smoking ban. This methodology is well-suited to capture both measurable data and nuanced insights.​  Research indicates that police officers in the Philippines have a higher smoking prevalence compared to the general public, with factors such as age, education, and specific duties influencing smoking habits. Understanding these factors is crucial, as they may impact enforcement effectiveness.​ Tobacco Prevention and Cessation  A study on the deterrence effects of smoking bans among students in the Philippines found that perceptions of punishment certainty and severity significantly influenced compliance. This suggests that enforcers' perceptions of the ban's enforcement mechanisms could affect their commitment to upholding the policy.​ Tobacco Induced Diseases  Examining the experiences of police officers with civilian review mechanisms reveals a range of perceptions that can influence their approach to policy enforcement. These insights can inform strategies to enhance cooperation and effectiveness in enforcing the smoking ban.​   Furthermore, studies on community-level smoke-free ordinances have demonstrated that such policies can lead to significant reductions in smoking rates, particularly among younger populations. Understanding the enforcement challenges and facilitators within local contexts is essential for tailoring effective interventions.​   Incorporating these findings, your research can provide valuable insights into the factors influencing the enforcement of smoking bans in the Philippines, guiding future policy implementations and enforcement strategies. The research aims to provide valuable insights to policymakers, local government officials, and stakeholders to enhance the implementation of Executive Order No. 26 (EO 26), which establishes smoke-free environments in public and enclosed places across the Philippines. Issued on May 16, 2017, EO 26 enforces a nationwide ban on smoking in public areas, building upon earlier initiatives like the 2002 ordinance from Davao City, where President Duterte previously served as mayor.​  The executive order outlines several prohibited acts, including smoking within enclosed public spaces and public conveyances, with exceptions only for designated smoking areas (DSAs) that comply with specific standards. It also imposes restrictions on tobacco advertising near schools and other facilities frequented by minors, aiming to protect public health and promote a smoke-free environment.​  Despite these comprehensive measures, the Department of Health (DOH) acknowledged challenges in implementing the nationwide smoking ban, citing difficulties in enforcement and ensuring compliance. ​ Philippine News Agency  By focusing on the experiences and perceptions of police officers and barangay officials, your study addresses critical enforcement challenges of EO 26. Understanding their perspectives can inform strategies to improve compliance and effectiveness in implementing the smoking ban. This research is timely, as studies have highlighted that perceived certainty and severity of punishments significantly influence compliance with smoking bans. ​  The findings from your research can guide policymakers and local government units in refining enforcement mechanisms, addressing challenges faced by enforcers, and ensuring that the objectives of EO 26 are effectively met. This aligns with the broader goal of promoting public health and establishing comprehensive smoke-free environments throughout the country. The study aims to evaluate the compliance and effectiveness of the smoking ban in Barangay Malinta, providing evidence-based recommendations to enhance the impact of Executive Order No. 26 (EO 26) and promote a healthier, smoke-free community.​  EO 26, enacted in 2017, establishes smoke-free environments in public and enclosed spaces throughout the Philippines. The order prohibits smoking in enclosed public areas and public conveyances, with exceptions only for designated smoking areas (DSAs) that meet specific standards. It also restricts tobacco advertising near schools and facilities frequented by minors, aiming to protect public health. ​  Despite these measures, implementing the nationwide smoking ban has faced challenges. The Department of Health (DOH) acknowledged difficulties in enforcement and ensuring compliance. Studies from various regions highlight common issues, such as minors accessing tobacco products and vendors selling to underage individuals. Additionally, research indicates that the perceived certainty and severity of punishments significantly influence compliance with smoking bans.  Tobacco Induced Diseases  Focusing on Barangay Malinta, your research seeks to understand local enforcement practices, compliance levels, and community perceptions of the smoking ban. This localized approach is essential, as studies have shown that effective enforcement is often hindered by limited resources and public ignorance of such laws. By examining these factors, your study aims to inform targeted interventions and policy adjustments to improve the implementation of EO 26 at the community level.​   Ultimately, your research endeavors to contribute to optimizing the enforcement of EO 26 in Barangay Malinta, supporting the broader goal of establishing a healthier, smoke-free environment across the Philippines.