Abstract
This study assessedthe implementation of the Anti-Smoking Ordinance SP-1515–2005 in Barangay San Agustin, Quezon City, focusing on barangay capacity, enforcement strategies, penalties, and challenges in compliance. It highlights the ordinance’s role in addressing public health concerns by protecting residents from secondhand smoke and promoting a healthier community. The study utilized a quantitative descriptive research design. Respondents were selected through purposive sampling for barangay officials and simple random sampling for residents, with a total of eighty (80) participants comprising thirty (30) barangay officials and fifty (50) residents. Data were collected using a self-made survey questionnaire that measured perceptions of barangay capacity, enforcement strategies, penalties, and implementation issues. The data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, and average weighted mean. The Spearman rank-order correlation test was used to determine the relationship between barangay capacity and enforcement strategies. Findings revealed that the majority of respondents were 56 years old and above, female, married, and high school graduates. Respondents generally agreed that the barangay possesses adequate manpower, sufficient budget allocation, and trained personnel to implement the ordinance (overall weighted mean = 2.90). Enforcement strategies were perceived as effective, particularly coordination with the Philippine National Police and the conduct of information dissemination campaigns (weighted mean = 3.00). Penalties imposed on violators were viewed as clear, consistent, and fairly implemented (weighted mean = 2.97). However, the Spearman test indicated no significant relationship between barangay capacity and enforcement strategies (p = 0.3836 > 0.05). The ordinance was generally seen as effectively implemented, but results showed no significant link between barangay capacity and enforcement strategies, indicating that effectiveness is not solely dependent on perceived capacity. Key challenges included violators refusing to pay fines, conflicts with enforcers, and unclear designated smoking areas. The study recommends improving monitoring, providing ongoing training for barangay officials, strengthening coordination with law enforcement, installing clearer signage, and promoting greater community compliance to better support a smoke-free environment.
