ASOG hosts evidence-based policy making workshop in Western Visayas

The Ateneo School of Government (ASOG), with financial support from International Union Against Tuberculosis (The UNION), hosted a regional workshop on Evidence-Based Policymaking for Tobacco Control for Western Visayas Region at the Diversion 21 Hotel in Iloilo City, Iloilo on October 06 to 07, 2022. Representatives from five provinces (various Local Government Units (LGU), Department of Health (DOH) -  Provincial Health Offices, and DOH Regional Offices to learn more about the purpose and use of evidence-based research in identifying necessary policy interventions for their respective FCTC ordinances. 

Iloilo has been one of the most consistent provinces in promoting anti-tobacco advocacies and implementing smoke free cities, proven by its numerous Red Orchid awards and its place as a Hall of Famer. To learn by example, ASOG reached out to the Anti-Smoking Task Force of Iloilo to learn what makes their efforts effective in their area. For a more far-reaching collaboration, representatives from the other provinces in Region VI were called to Iloilo CIty to share experiences with one another and learn by example from Iloilo’s own policies and protocols related to the advocacy.
 

The two-day workshop started with a lecture on the current status of tobacco smoking in the Philippines and the current existing legislation corresponding to it. Where the country is right now in terms of its political climate and the conduciveness of the situation was highlighted to give context to the work that needs to be done. Strong areas and gaps were described and emphasized as points to focus on. To better equip the attendants with tools to use to fill in the gaps identified, evidence-based policymaking was introduced as a starting point for future programs and policies. To contextualize the practicality of the sessions, representatives from the Anti-Smoking Task Force of Iloilo City and Roxas City were invited as resource persons to talk about what worked for them and what their best practices were given the resources available to them.

After the lectures, the remaining sessions were dedicated to exploring each localities’ strengths and weaknesses to better know what their current situations were and what angles were better to target for future advocacy efforts. By introducing evaluative strategies and plans such as the FCTC Ordinance Review and the National Tobacco Control and Prevention Strategy, LGUs from each province were able to look into their own situations and learn more about how they were doing side-by-side with the other localities. Insights on what could be done and what should be worked on were born from discussions facilitated between each presentation.

The second day ended with a hint of hopefulness for what’s to come to each of their areas. With the intention of continued collaboration present in each LGU’s interactions, ASOG, together with their partners within the area, will continue to strive towards better anti-tobacco policies and programs in the region starting with the introduction of better evidence-based policymaking practices and culture in government work.