Smoke-Free Network Transcend-PH

27/03/2026

Looking back builds strength.
Remembering progress reinforces commitment.

Action Today: Take a moment to acknowledge your journey.

Transcend your limits and continue forward. **ng **rs

25/03/2026

The Municipality of Tuba, Benguet conducted an MPOWER Training for 37 community enforcers on March 25, 2026. Participants were composed of municipal and barangay health workers, barangay officials, barangay tanods, members of the Philippine National Police, and the Bureau of Fire Protection.

The training focused on the WHO Framework Convention on To***co Control (FCTC) MPOWER strategies, which include:
• Monitoring to***co use and prevention policies
• Protecting people from to***co smoke
• Offering help to quit to***co use
• Warning about the dangers of to***co
• Enforcing bans on to***co advertising, promotion, and sponsorship
• Raising to***co taxes

Participants were reminded that the approval of a smoke-free ordinance is not the end, but the beginning of stronger action. Effective and consistent enforcement is necessary to ensure that the policy truly protects the public from the harmful effects of smoking, va**ng, and the use of chewing to***co (momma).

The activity was conducted with the technical assistance of Transcending Institutions and Communities, Inc. (TRANSCEND) in support of strengthening local to***co control programs and protecting communities from the dangers of to***co and ni****ne products.

25/03/2026

Smoke-Free Task Force Meeting | Kapangan, Benguet Municipality

The Smoke-Free Task Force Meeting of the Municipality of Kapangan was held on March 23, 2026 at the Kapangan Municipal Hall to strengthen the implementation of Municipal Ordinance No. 194, s. 2023, also known as the Comprehensive Smoke-Free Ordinance of the Municipality of Kapangan.

The ordinance prohibits the sale, use, distribution, and advertisement of ci******es, electronic ni****ne and non-ni****ne delivery systems (ENDS/ENNDS), heated to***co products, and other novel to***co products in certain places, and imposes penalties for violations.

This policy aims to denormalize the culture of smoking and va**ng, protect the youth from initiation, reduce exposure to harmful emissions, and create a supportive environment for those who want to quit. Through this ordinance, the Municipality continues its commitment to safeguard public health and promote the well-being of all constituents.

***coControl

24/03/2026

Tabuk City is now actively implementing its Smoke-Free Program following the approval of the city smoke-free ordinance. Selected enforcers have been officially deputized to ensure proper and consistent implementation across the city.

This initiative aims to protect public health and save lives, especially among the youth, by promoting clean air, healthy environments, and a to***co-free future for all.

Together, let us support a safer and healthier Tabuk City!

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1RB8xwqaQi/

23/03/2026

Skills take time.
Each urge handled is practice, not failure.

Action Today: Treat today as another training day.

Transcend your limits through learning. **ng **rs

20/03/2026

𝗜𝘀 "𝗡𝗶𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲" 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲𝗿? 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂.
Welcome to the final phase of our series The Va**ng Link. This Women’s Month, we are uncovering the deepest risk: 𝗗𝗡𝗔 𝗱𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗲.

New research shows that chemicals like formaldehyde in v**es can cause Mutagenesis, literally "breaking" or changing a baby’s genetic instructions. This damage to vital organs like the lungs, heart, and brain increases the risk of tumors. 🛑

The most shocking part? Ni****ne-free v**es can be even more aggressive. In studies, they caused 3X more interference with a baby’s gene switches and double the brain inflammation compared to v**es with ni****ne. Whether it has ni****ne or not, the "juice" base and flavors are enough to re-wire a baby's health.

Empowerment is protecting their future, starting with their DNA. Let’s lead the way to a toxic-free legacy.

🔗Phase 1 of the Series: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1T9VPf4jtn/
🔗 Phase 2 of the Series: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18SzYr3Dq6/

Reference: Ndeke, J. M., Klaunig, J. E., & Commodore, S. (2024). Ni****ne or ma*****na va**ng exposure during pregnancy and altered immune responses in offspring. Journal of environmental exposure assessment, 3(1), 10.20517/jeea.2024.03. https://doi.org/10.20517/jeea.2024.03

***cocontrol

20/03/2026

Identity drives behavior.
Each choice reinforces who you believe you are.

Action Today: Choose one action that matches your quit identity.

Transcend your limits by becoming. **ng **rs

20/03/2026

A Milestone for Tanudan: Strengthening the Backbone of a Smoke-Free Kalinga! ⚖️

We celebrate the Municipality of Tanudan, Kalinga, for the passage of their new Comprehensive Smoke-Free Ordinance, backed by the Kalinga Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Municipal Ordinance No. 2026-110 aims to regulate the use, sale, distribution, and advertisement of ci******es, to***co products, and electronic ci******es (v**es) in designated areas of the municipality.

In the journey toward a healthier Cordillera, legislation is the backbone, it provides the structure, the strength, and the legal mandate to protect our people. Meanwhile, our dedicated Task Forces are the arms, the active force that implements, monitors, and ensures these protections reach every corner of the community.

What this milestone entails for Tanudan:
✅ Expanded Protection: Clearer boundaries for smoke-free and v**e-free public spaces.
✅ Youth Shielding: Stricter regulations on to***co and v**e access and promotional materials that trigger use.
✅ Collective Responsibility: A unified approach that empowers local leaders to guard the air we breathe.

Let’s lead with empathy and treat everybody with the respect they deserve by simply following the law. When we respect these ordinances, we honor the rights of everyone to clean and healthy air.

Kudos to Tanudan for this legislative milestone! Together, we are building a stronger, smoke-free Cordillera. 🌿✊

Note: While the visuals may contain images of to***co products for identification purposes, we do not condone or promote their use.

***coControl

Stricter rules on smoking and va**ng will soon be implemented in Tanudan, Kalinga, as a proposed municipal ordinance gains support from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. The Provincial Board approved and recommended the enactment of Municipal Ordinance No. 2026-110, which aims to...Click this link to read more: https://www.gurupress-cordillera.com/post/anti-smoking-drive-intensifies-in-tanudan-with-new-municipal-ordinance-backed-by-kalinga-sp

19/03/2026

We applaud the Tabuk City Smoke-Free Task Force for their proactive enforcement of City Ordinance No. 006, Series of 2024.

Removing to***co and v**e promotional materials, the visual cues that can trigger the urge to smoke or v**e, and posting "No Smoking/No Va**ng" signs in public transport is a massive win for public health. From Benguet to Kalinga, our public spaces belong to the community’s well-being.

Let’s lead with empathy and treat everybody with the respect they deserve by simply following the law. When we respect these ordinances, we protect the "Modern Babaylans" in our communities, our workers and leaders, and the health of the next generation.

Kudos to Tabuk City! Together, we are building a healthier, smoke-free region.

Transcend - TICI is proud to collaborate with the Provincial Health Office in strengthening our frontlines. This field activity in Tabuk City marks the culmination of enforcement and deputization training for the Tabuk City Smoke-Free Task Force. Together, we are turning policy into action by equipping our local leaders with the tools they need to protect the air we breathe and the future of our youth.

19/03/2026

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻'𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵, 𝗟𝗲𝘁'𝘀 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗕𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 🌸
In Phase 2 of our series The Va**ng Link, we’re looking at how we can protect a child’s lifelong "Security Team."

Research shows that newer va**ng products are linked to immunosuppression, which basically weakens a developing baby’s immune system so it can’t recognize future threats. This Embryonic Oxidative Stress doesn't just affect birth weight; it leaves the child more vulnerable to infections and even cancer throughout their life.

Empowerment is having the facts to shield the next generation. Choose a v**e-free environment today.

🔗Phase 1 of the Series: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1T9VPf4jtn/

***cocontrol

19/03/2026

Tuba Stands Firm for a Smoke-Free Benguet! 👏
We applaud the Tuba Smoke-Free Task Force for their diligent monitoring and enforcement of Municipal Ordinance No. 401, S. 2021 (The Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance of Tuba).

Seeing 12 establishments flagged for violations, including the prohibited sale of to***co "per stick" and selling within 100 meters of restricted areas, is a strong reminder that our ordinances are in place to protect our youth and our future.

Whether in Tuba or other municipalities, the message across Benguet and Cordillera is clear:
✅ No "per stick" sales.
✅ No to***co displays in restricted zones.
✅ Total respect for our smoke-free laws.

Let’s lead with empathy and treat everybody with the respect they deserve by simply following the law. Kudos to the Tuba Task Force for keeping the Cordillera fresh and safe!

***coControl

𝗦𝗠𝗢𝗞𝗘-𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗧𝗔𝗦𝗞 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗖𝗘 𝗙𝗟𝗔𝗚𝗦 𝟭𝟮 𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗩𝗜𝗢𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦

The Smoke-Free Task Force conducted a monitoring and inspection of business establishments in Poblacion, Tuba, Benguet, particularly in areas surrounding the Municipal Hall of Tuba, to ensure compliance with existing to***co control regulations. A total of 25 establishments were assessed during the activity.

Out of these, 12 citation tickets were issued due to violations such as selling ci******es per stick, selling to***co products within 100 meters of restricted areas, and the posting or display of to***co promotional materials.

All records of the apprehended establishments will be forwarded to the Treasury Office for the proper processing and imposition of corresponding penalties. Business owners are strongly reminded to strictly comply with the Smoke-Free regulations to avoid future violations and sanctions. /KTW

18/03/2026

🌸 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵, 𝗹𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. 🌸
Many believe va**ng is a 'safer' alternative, but for women and their future children, the risks are often hidden. Did you know the placental barrier, the baby’s natural shield, isn’t bulletproof against va**ng? 🛑

New research shows that carcinogenic chemicals in v**e aerosol, like Chromium, Nickel, and Lead, don’t stop at the mother. They pass through the placenta and directly into the baby’s cord blood.

"The Va**ng Link" is real, but knowledge is your power. You have the right to a toxic-free environment for you and your child.

🔗 Related Article: Learn more about protecting your space from passive va**ng here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1KVQ1yokJ9/

✨ Follow this series as we uncover how va**ng affects a baby’s health, from the womb to the future.

***cocontrol