According to the Aklan Tobacco Control Network (ATCN), eight of the total 17 municipalities in Aklan currently have anti-smoking ordinances, in line with the goal to make Aklan smoke-free by 2020.

ATCN coordinator J-Lorenz Dionisio said the towns with active ordinances are Buruanga, Ibajay, Kalibo, Altavas, Tangalan, Malinao, Makato, and Numancia.

The agency noted, other municipalities currently have ordinances processing.

Earlier this month, with the 2018-2019 academic year underway, the Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Task Force (ICAST) implemented more of a focus on city students.

In addition, after new Sangguniang Kabataan officials were elected, information, education, and communication campaign activities have been intensified; particularly with June being “National No Smoking Month.”/WDJ