By Karren Jay G. Asgar

Iñigo D. Garingalao, Executive Director of Iloilo City’s Anti-Smoking Task Force (ICAST), receives the 2024 ASEAN Smoke-Free Award (Gold) from the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA) during the ASEAN Health Ministers and Related Meetings in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR).

Iloilo City has been awarded the 2024 ASEAN Smokefree Award (ASA), a recognition of the collective efforts of the City Government of Iloilo, along with the Iloilo City’s Anti-Smoking Task Force (ICAST), and the entire Iloilo City community.

Iloilo City’s Anti-Smoking Task Force (ICAST) Executive Director, Iñigo D. Garingalao is a proud Centralian. He has been part of the second batch of the original batch of Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering program in 1985. He also completed his secondary education at CPU Development High School, Class of 1978, and his elementary education at CPU Elementary School, Class of 1974. Additionally, he earned a Diploma in Christian Ministries from the College of Theology at Central Philippine University.

When asked how his experience as a Centralian has influenced his approach to engaging the community in the anti-smoking campaign, he responded, “CPU being Christ-centered led our approach to invoke the Almighty’s help to preserve and protect the gift of the body (without which or if we are infirmed, we can do little). This I use in my lectures, orientations and forums, looking at the good and innate belief of the person versus the vice.”

He further explained that the prevailing sentiment at Central—that everyone should be afforded protection and rights, not just the privileged few—motivated him to enforce these principles in tobacco control efforts, regardless of an individual’s status.

When asked about the most significant factors that contributed to winning the 2024 ASEAN Smokefree Award (ASA), he said, “The ASEAN Smokefree Gold Award title which came when I am already about a decade in this advocacy shows the relentless pursuit for health and wellness of the city via the avoidance of smoking and secondhand smoke. It shows that in this kind of work, sustainability, perseverance (as not one activity or program puts an end to the devastating effects of the vice), and creativity is important. These traits, of course, were learned in one’s environment from family to school. Being able to pursue something good, when many others would shun it, is a Centralian trait for me,” Executive Director Iñigo D. Garingalao shared in an interview.

He also explained that the ASA validation process is highly rigorous, driven by legislation, sustained efforts, and the involvement of numerous sectors of society. He emphasized the use of various measurement tools by validating bodies to accurately assess the efforts of cities competing for the award.

“The guidance of the Almighty and the motivated work of ICAST as well as the support of the leaders comes into play. Again, these traits and attributes are partly learned in Central,” he added.

He acknowledged the many pressures involved in tobacco control, from powerful, well-funded companies and distributors to those who profit from the industry. Their influence reaches into higher levels of government. He also noted the pressure from his own team, where not everyone shares the same level of motivation, as well as pressure from smokers and vapers, political challenges, and even an apathetic community. “Indeed,” he emphasized, “being in the anti-smoking campaign is not a bed of roses.”

“CPU taught me to look at the welfare of the marginalized and the defenseless like the old, the young and the infirmed — all marginalized in a smoking environment,” he said. “If I can do something, although a small something about it, we are taught to act.”

He advised members of the Centralian community aspiring for recognition in public health initiatives not to focus on awards, but to concentrate on bettering themselves, improving their work, and continually educating themselves. He emphasized the importance of being a people-oriented, Christ-driven individual.

“Lean on making your people be recognized, clap for others, don’t forget your learnings from the ‘Gold and the Blue’ above all else, attribute it the one who rally gave it — the Lord,” he said.

According to the Iloilo City Government, the ASEAN Smokefree Award is an initiative of the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA), given to local government units (LGUs) in the Western Pacific Region that demonstrate sustained efforts in tobacco consumption control, including enforcement and advocacy. Among the five outstanding nominees—Bogor City in Indonesia, Saensuk Municipality in Thailand, Bagan in Myanmar, and Luang Prabang in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR)—Iloilo City, Philippines was honored as the sole recipient of the Gold Award.

Under the visionary leadership of Executive Director Iñigo D. Garingalao, this prestigious award was rightfully earned, a testament to his dedication, guidance, and unwavering commitment to the cause. His ability to inspire and lead the team has not only brought recognition to Iloilo City but has also set a standard of excellence that others can aspire to.