Written by Krystianne Diane Labay | photos by Rene Pascual & Krystianne Diane Labay
In line with the University of Baguio’s continued support for Baguio City’s Smoke-Free Ordinance No. 34 and Republic Act No. 8749, or the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999, the institution has strengthened its security protocols by strictly inspecting students’ bags for prohibited smoking and vaping devices. The school has recorded a significant number of vaping-related incidents from January to November 2025. A total of 795 devices were confiscated across the campus. Recent data reveal fluctuating monthly trends, with notable peaks in August (150 devices) and September (148 devices), and identify departments with particularly high incidence rates. These findings have prompted the development of targeted recommendations to further strengthen policy enforcement, enhance preventive education, and establish a more coordinated institutional response in support of a healthier, smoke-free campus community.
At the departmental level, the School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (SIHTM) recorded the highest overall number with 177 confiscations, followed by the School of Nursing with 110 confiscations, and the School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety with 91 confiscations. Other departments with notable counts include the School of Natural Sciences with 56 confiscations and the School of Engineering and Architecture with 51 confiscations. The Senior High School also contributed significantly with 37 recorded incidents.
Present in the initiative were the Health Services Offices, Mr. Rufino Killip and Mr. Joshua Daniel Rivera, Barangay Captain of General Luna Honorable Ramir Isabelo along with other barangay officials, Risk Management Officer Julia Flores, Head of Security Mr. Jayton Anaen, Security Personnel Lester Ordoño, School of Nursing Dean, Ms. Helen Alalag, Director of Campus Planning Development Office Engr. Bernard Abaya, the Supreme Student Council Members Arian Canaoay Sibuyan, President of the UB Senate, Zeke Riotoc, SSC Executive Secretary, and Dannieca Buyayo, Student Leader Council SCJPS Representative, as well as university students of different schools.
The turnover achieved the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 3: Good Health and Well-being, and 4: Quality Education as the City Health Service Officers, Mr. Rufino Killip and Mr. Joshua Daniel Rivera, spoke to the Supreme Student Council Members about creating seminars and talks about the dangers of smoking as well as the openness of the city in assisting in spreading awareness of Baguio City’s Smoke Free Ordinance And SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions to further strengthen the University’s adherence to City ordinances and SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals by collaborating with the City government in making the University a safe environment for learners to study in a smoke-free place.
To Learn more about the Baguio Smoke Free campaign, you may visit their website at https://new.baguio.gov.ph/city-health-services-office and the civil society organizations that help in the cause.
