CLARK FREEPORT— Smokers and vapers, watch out!
The Clark Development Corp. is set to tighten regulations on smoking and vaping within the Clark Freeport Zone and Clark Special Economic Zone, requiring all locators and business establishments to comply with clearer rules on designated smoking areas, signage, and enforcement measures within their premises.
The proposed circular is expected to standardize compliance requirements across establishments and reduce exposure to secondhand smoke and aerosol emissions in shared workspaces and public areas, supporting a more predictable and health-conscious operating environment within the zone.
On June 18, CDC conducted a hybrid town hall consultation with locator firms and business establishments, held at the Clark Events and Conference Hall and via Zoom, to gather inputs on the draft policy prior to its endorsement to the CDC Board of Directors for approval.
During the consultation, Health and Sanitation Division manager Dr. Clemencita Dobles discussed the health risks associated with smoking and vaping while Public Safety Division manager Col. Herbert Angeles presented the draft circular, outlining enforcement provisions and responsibilities of locators.
The proposed measures align with existing national laws on tobacco and vaping regulation, including RA 9211 (Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003), Executive Order No. 26, s. 2017, and RA 11900 (Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act), which collectively promote smoke-free environments and public health protection.
The initiative reflects CDC’s policy direction to strengthen enforcement of environmental and public health standards while maintaining order and regulatory clarity for investors operating in Clark.
CDC will consolidate stakeholder inputs before endorsing the final draft to its board of directors for approval. Stakeholders may submit written comments and recommendations until June 22, 2026, at 5 p.m. CDC-PR
