Abstract

This study evaluated the effectiveness of enforcement measures on the Anti-Smoking Ordinance in public places of Barangay Tala, Caloocan City. The ordinance supports Republic Act No. 9211 and aims to protect public health by reducing exposure to secondhand smoke. Despite existing regulations, enforcement and compliance issues at the barangay level require assessment, particularly in terms of enforcement visibility, penalty imposition, and public awareness. A quantitative descriptive design was used. Eighty (80) respondents, including barangay officials, PNP officers, and residents, participated in the study. Data were gathered through a structured questionnaire measuring enforcement visibility, penalties, awareness campaigns, and implementation challenges. Frequency, percentage, weighted mean, ranking, and Kruskal–Wallis H test was applied to identify significant differences in perceptions across selected demographic variables. Findings indicated that enforcement visibility, imposition of penalties, and public awareness campaigns were perceived as highly effective. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in perceptions when respondents were grouped according to selected demographic characteristics, suggesting that role and experience influence views on enforcement effectiveness. However, the primary challenge identified was the lack of cooperation among residents, attributed to limited awareness, weak discipline, and inconsistent compliance with smoke-free regulations. The results suggest that while the Anti-Smoking Ordinance is actively implemented in Barangay Tala, improvements are necessary to enhance overall effectiveness. Strengthening enforcement visibility, intensifying awareness campaigns, and providing continuous training for barangay enforcers are crucial. Sustained community engagement and inter-agency collaboration are recommended to ensure consistent compliance and promote a healthier, smoke-free environment.