Legazpi City took a major step forward in its public health advocacy with the successful holding of the 1st Breathe Free Legazpi: Smoke-Free Congress 2026 on June 17 at the Legazpi City Expo Hall A.
The landmark event drew at least 350 participants representing various sectors from all 70 barangays across the city. The congress aimed to strengthen advocacy efforts and empower communities in the fight against smoking and vaping in the city.
Organized by the Legazpi City Health Office, the smoke-free congress brought together barangay officials, health workers, youth leaders, and representatives from schools and businesses to discuss tobacco control measures and public health initiatives at the grassroots level.
During the event, the city government announced plans to deploy 100 smoke-free enforcers across Legazpi City and increase penalties for smoking violations. The move reinforces the city commitment to its Comprehensive Anti-Smoking/Vaping Ordinance.
Legazpi City has long been recognized as a leader in smoke-free advocacy in the Bicol Region. Over the years, the city has awarded dozens of establishments and barangays for achieving 100-percent smoke-free compliance. Big billboards and video screens at the airport, seaport, market, terminals, and other public places continue to remind residents and visitors about the ill effects of smoking and the penalties for violating the ordinance.
The smoke-free congress is part of a broader national push for stronger tobacco control measures, with lawmakers in the House of Representatives recently filing the Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Environment Bill to protect public health in all public spaces nationwide.
With the strong turnout and renewed commitment from all 70 barangays, Legazpi City continues to set the standard for community-driven public health campaigns in the Philippines.
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