Implementation of executive order no. 26 in piat, Cagayan

This study assessed the implementation of Executive Order No. 26 in the Municipality of Piat, Cagayan, particularly in the barangay level. The executive order provides for the establishment of smoke-free environments in public and enclosed places in the Philippines. The study is descriptive quantitative utilizing a researcher-made questionnaire as the main survey instrument supplemented by interview schedules and photo documentation. It involved twenty eight barangay officials from three major barangays selected through cluster sampling. Results of the study reveal that the barangay officials are ‘moderately aware’ on the provisions of Executive Order No. 26. Most of the them conduct activities such as strictly not allowing minors to buy and use cigarettes, prohibiting smoking in public places, posting ‘no smoking’ signage, no smoking 10 meters away during meetings at the session hall, no smoking policy during barangay assembly, putting placards that minors are not allowed to buy cigarettes displayed in front of their stores, disseminating to constituents the disadvantages of smoking. Common problems are minors who are smoking and buying for their parents because there are still stores selling cigarettes; teens and vendors disobey the rule in the order.