Advisers

Eliza O. Gomba

Discipline

Criminology

Abstract

The Anti-Smoking Ordinance is a local policy enacted to reduce the health risks associated with smoking, protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke, and promote smoke-free public environments. In Barangay Tandang Sora, Quezon City, the ordinance regulates smoking in public places such as parks, restaurants, and enclosed areas. This study assessed the capability of Barangay Tandang Sora in implementing the Anti-Smoking Ordinance, particularly in relation to deterrence, awareness, and enforcement, and examined its implications for public health compliance among young adults. A descriptive research design was employed using convenience and quota sampling, a non-probability method suited for obtaining relevant and in-depth responses. The respondents consisted of fifty (50) individuals: twenty (20) barangay personnel, fifteen (15) police officers, and fifteen (15) residents who were former or current smokers. Data were collected through survey questionnaires and interviews conducted in Barangay Tandang Sora, Quezon City, and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that most respondents were aged 34–41 years old, of both sexes, college graduates, and had ten years or more of residency or service. The implementation of the Anti-Smoking Ordinance was generally rated Strongly Agree across all dimensions, with weighted means of 3.51 for deterrence, 3.39 for awareness, and 3.50 for enforcement. While significant differences were observed in perceptions of deterrence among respondent groups, assessments of awareness and enforcement were largely consistent across demographics. Despite the positive evaluation, respondents identified key challenges, including unclear guidelines for ordinance implementation at the barangay level and insufficient support from city officials and concerned agencies. The study concludes that strengthening policy guidelines, enhancing inter-agency support, and improving enforcement mechanisms are essential to sustaining effective implementation. Future research is recommended to explore long-term impacts, enforcement barriers, and behavioral outcomes using longitudinal and mixed-method approaches to support the development of sustainable, smoke-free communities.

Keywords

Assessment, Anti-Smoking, Ordinance