In a significant stride towards promoting public health, a collaborative research initiative brought together the expertise of Rizal Technological University (RTU), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the City Health Office of Mandaluyong. The culmination of their joint efforts is a comprehensive Policy Review and Compliance Study on the Comprehensive Smoke-Free Ordinance of the City of Mandaluyong (Ordinance No. 671, S. 2017), including its amending ordinance (Ordinance No. 730, S. 2019).

The research, presented by a team of dedicated RTU researchers, paints a detailed picture of the impact and compliance levels associated with Mandaluyong’s pioneering anti-smoking regulations. The RTU team includes Dr. Marc DG Garvida, Instructors John Peter De Leon, John Arvie V. Casas, Emmanuel L. Taruc, Mykyl Villanueva, Jhon Rhol Inting, Algernon Castaneda, and Dr. Joel Fajardo.

The City Health Office, under the leadership of Dr. Arnold De Castro Abalos, played a crucial role as a partner in this initiative. Ms. Jasmin Paraiso-Lagahit RN represented the MMDA, adding a vital layer of expertise to the collaborative research.

The collaborative research effort between RTU, MMDA, and the City Health Office signifies a significant stride towards fostering Mandaluyong’s healthier, smoke-free environment. As the study unveils its detailed findings, it is evident that the collective efforts of academia, government bodies, and health organizations can create a meaningful impact on public health policies. The collaborative research not only sets a precedent for future endeavors but reinforces the importance of partnership in addressing critical public health challenges.